Political Fallout as Mayor Miller Fires Opponent from Planning Commission One Week After Securing Third Term
Freeport, IL - April 8, 2025
Exactly one week after securing a third term as Mayor of Freeport, Jodi Miller made a controversial move that has left local political circles buzzing. In an unexpected email sent to Joshua T. Atkinson on April 8, 2025, the Mayor informed him that his services to the city’s Planning Commission would no longer be required, effectively ending his role on the commission just days after her re-election victory.
Atkinson, who had served on the Planning Commission for nearly a year, was appointed on April 15, 2024, following a unanimous vote by the city council. His appointment was initially slated to end on October 31, 2024, but was automatically reappointed for a four-year term, which would have kept him on the commission until 2028. During his tenure, Atkinson played an active role in making recommendations on local issues, such as variances requested by businesses and homeowners, while working closely with the Miller administration and the city council.
The firing came just one week after Miller defeated Atkinson in the mayoral race, securing her third consecutive term as Freeport’s leader. Throughout the campaign, Atkinson had consistently called for unity, emphasizing that, despite political differences, both he and Miller shared a common goal: the prosperity of Freeport. "I have to believe that Mayor Miller and I ultimately want the same thing, and that is to see Freeport thrive," he stated in a pre-election interview. He even went so far as to assure listeners during a debate on Flight Radio that, after the election, he would be open to working alongside Miller, even suggesting a dinner together to discuss the city's future.
However, that spirit of collaboration seemed to dissipate with Miller's decision to terminate Atkinson’s position just days after securing re-election. In the email, Miller notified Atkinson that his automatic reappointment had been rescinded, despite the city council’s prior unanimous approval of his appointment. On April 7, 2025, the city council appointed Dustin Wilkenson as Atkinson's replacement, solidifying the Mayor’s decision.
Atkinson expressed disappointment at the Mayor’s actions, which he described as politically motivated. "While I congratulate Mr. Wilkenson on his appointment, I am saddened that Mayor Miller chose to punish rather than unite," Atkinson said in a statement. "I thought we could put aside our differences for the good of Freeport, but this decision proves otherwise."
The move has raised questions among members of the city council, many of whom were unaware of Miller’s intentions. "The council was never informed of the Mayor's decision and although I voted to appoint Mr. Wilkinson, I was under the impression a vacant seat was being filled. As far as the council knew, we appointed Mr. Atkinson to serve on the Planning Commission until 2028," said 5th Ward Alderwoman Cecelia Stacy.
Atkinson’s firing has stirred controversy among Freeport residents, who had hoped for a more collaborative post-election environment. Despite Atkinson’s campaign pledges to foster unity, the abrupt dismissal signals a growing political divide that could complicate efforts at bipartisan cooperation within the city’s leadership.
While Mayor Miller has yet to publicly comment on the rationale behind her decision to remove Atkinson from the Planning Commission, the timing has certainly raised questions about the future of political relations in Freeport. The development could be a sign of challenges ahead for both the Mayor and the city council during Miller’s third term.
As Freeport moves forward under her continued leadership, all eyes will be on how Miller navigates this controversial decision and whether it will affect the political climate in the city. Will the Mayor work to heal the divide, or will this mark the beginning of a more adversarial relationship with the city council as her third term progresses? Only time will tell.
