Party Over Policy: How Stephenson County's Political Machines Sold Out the Public
June 13, 2025
In the political battleground of Stephenson County, it’s not policy that’s winning—it’s manipulation. While communities grapple with real issues like rising taxes, unchecked violence, and a lack of local leadership, the two major parties have quietly agreed on one thing: the people are expendable—as long as the party survives.
Locally, the two faces of this problem are unmistakable.
The Stephenson County Republican Party is chaired by Illinois State Senator Andrew Chesney, a man who’s turned public office into a personal platform for power consolidation. Across the aisle, the Stephenson County Democratic Party is chaired by Jody Coss, whose silence in the face of local corruption and community suffering is as deafening as it is deliberate.
Together, they’ve mastered the illusion of choice.
Republicans under Chesney's watch have spent fortunes convincing you that Democrats are nothing more than lazy, lawless, America-hating radicals. Democrats under Coss have spent every ounce of energy painting Republicans as ignorant, racist, hateful bigots. Each side preaches fear of the other—because fear keeps you loyal.
They have us thinking we’re on their team.
In reality?
We’re the pieces being played.
It’s not about cities. It’s not about counties. It’s not even about the country.
It’s about power. It’s about preserving their clubhouses. And it’s about making sure we’re too distracted fighting each other to realize who’s really rigging the game.
Ask yourself: when was the last time Andrew Chesney or Jody Coss issued a single statement on rising violence in Freeport? On the 1% sales tax increase? On illegal backroom deals? On failing infrastructure? On a mayor who seems more focused on festivals than leadership?
They don’t speak.
Because if they speak, they might be held accountable.
And accountability is bad for business when your only goal is staying in power.
This isn’t about values anymore—it’s about branding. And if you dare to think for yourself, question a decision, or demand better, suddenly you’re labeled a traitor to the “team.” But the truth is simple:
This isn’t a game we’re playing. It’s a game being played on us.
If you’re tired of being a pawn, stop playing by their rules. Start asking real questions. Start demanding real leadership. Start looking beyond party labels and start looking at actions—or the lack thereof.
Because until we do, we’re not a community.
We’re a captive audience.
And they’re counting on us never waking up.
-Fighting4Freeport