The Truth Behind Alderwoman Linda Johnson’s Secret Swearing-In
FREEPORT, IL – July 26, 2025
The people of Freeport were promised transparency—but what we’ve uncovered about Alderwoman Linda Johnson’s swearing-in ceremony proves just how far Mayor Jodi Miller’s administration will go to avoid accountability. Through our investigation and FOIA requests, Fighting4Freeport has confirmed that Johnson was secretly sworn in one hour before the May 19, 2025, City Council meeting—violating Freeport’s own ordinances and raising serious questions about the legality of her votes since taking office.
The Ordinance vs. Miller’s Secret Ceremony
Freeport City Ordinance is crystal clear: Linda Johnson was to be sworn in during the May 19, 2025, City Council meeting, scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. But that’s not what happened.
Public records and statements from the Miller administration confirm that on May 19, 2025, just hours before the meeting, Mayor Miller was warned by a Rockford news station that outgoing 2nd Ward Alderman James Monroe planned to hold a press conference on the steps of City Hall. His goal? To call out Miller’s long history of sidestepping public scrutiny and avoiding tough questions.
Instead of facing the cameras and the people of Freeport, Mayor Miller acted behind closed doors.
The FOIA Revelations
City Clerk Dovie Anderson, responding to a FOIA request, confirmed:
“I swore her in at approximately 5:05 p.m. on May 19, 2025. Witnesses included Mayor Jodi Miller, City Manager Rob Boyer, and Alderperson Greg Shadle.”
While no full, clear footage exists of the oath itself, surveillance video confirms Johnson entering the second-floor office area. A few witnesses are visible during the oath’s administration, and Johnson is later seen leaving the office.
Even more disturbing—there are no emails, texts, or calendar entries documenting this ceremony. None. It appears this swearing-in was arranged off the books, called in at the last minute to shield Miller from public questioning.
Breaking Freeport’s Laws—Not Illinois’
By conducting the swearing-in early, Miller violated Freeport law. Yet rather than acknowledge the violation, the administration tried to hide behind a letter from the Illinois State Attorney General’s office. That letter mistakenly stated that Mayor Miller counted toward a quorum, allowing the council to proceed even with four absent alderpeople.
Fighting4Freeport has confirmed with the Assistant Attorney General that this letter was wrong. Freeport operates under Home Rule, which includes its own specific ordinances—ordinances Miller and her allies ignored.
When asked to issue a corrected letter, the Assistant AG responded with hesitation:
“I’ll have to ask my boss if I can do that.”
Our response? “You didn’t have to ask your boss to send the first letter incorrectly defending a corrupt mayor.”
Changing the Rules After the Fact
Rather than face consequences, Mayor Miller simply changed the rules—pushing through an ordinance amendment allowing herself to count toward a quorum. This is governance by manipulation, not leadership.
Why This Matters
The truth is undeniable: Linda Johnson was sworn in secretly—one hour before the May 19 meeting. But was this legal?
If Johnson’s swearing-in is ever deemed invalid, every vote she has cast since that day could be challenged—throwing city business into chaos. The bigger question is this:
If Mayor Miller is willing to break the rules to avoid a few tough questions, what else is she doing behind closed doors?
What’s Next?
Fighting4Freeport will not let this issue die quietly. We are pursuing additional FOIA requests, legal consultations, and public records to determine the full impact of Miller’s unlawful actions.
Freeport deserves leaders who follow the law—not those who twist it for personal and political convenience.
Call to Action:
Stay informed. Attend city council meetings. Demand answers. Fighting4Freeport will continue to investigate and bring the truth to light—but real change will only come when the people of Freeport demand accountability.
—Brought to you and paid for by Fighting4Freeport
