Ceremonial Beginnings, Strategic Moves

The evening kicks off with a swearing‑in ceremony led by Judge Glenn R. Schorsch. Mayor Miller will be officially sworn in for her third term, joined by returning City Clerk Dovie Anderson and newly elected Alderwoman Linda Johnson (Ward 2), Donald Parker (Ward 4), and Gregory Shadle (Ward 6).

What follows may be far more revealing than the ceremony.

Appointments Galore — But at What Cost?

Mayor Miller is expected to reappoint 12 individuals to various boards and commissions and make one new appointment—Rebecca Quiggle to the Arts and Culture Commission. Yet the elephant in the room remains the Mayor’s recent appointment scandal, which she has refused to address publicly. Instead, Miller appears to be doubling down with sweeping reappointments.

Even more pointedly, she plans to name both a chair and vice‑chair for the influential Finance Committee of the Whole. The agenda omits the actual names, leaving residents to speculate on whether any attempt will be made to maintain bipartisan balance. Many believe she may tap Alderwoman‑at‑Large Joy Sellers—a Democrat whose silence and loyalty have made her a convenient ally.

Residency Rules Revisited — Again

Back with haste is the residency‑requirement issue—a code change letting department heads and key staff live outside Freeport. It failed just weeks ago. Fighting4Freeport Chairman Joshua T. Atkinson previously warned council members it would return as soon as the political math changed.

“This is a slap in the face to Freeport residents,” Atkinson says. “It’s not about what’s best for the city—it’s about accommodating pre‑selected hires who refuse to live in the community they’re paid to serve.”

His concern centers on rumors that a successor to Community and Economic Development Director Wayne Duckmann has already been chosen—but won’t relocate to Freeport. Rather than enforce current rules or grant waivers to the five existing violators, the administration seems determined to gut the ordinance entirely.

Class CE Liquor License — The Next Cash Cow?

Another first reading would create a new “Class CE” (Charity Event) liquor license, allowing nonprofits to sell alcohol at events. Freeport—already known as “the land of nonprofits and landlords”—continues to blur lines between civic benefit and back‑door profit. Many see this as a boon for organizations tied closely to the administration, including the taxpayer‑supported Greater Freeport Partnership and the Mayor’s own Freeport Festivals Inc., which has faced scrutiny over the Tutty Baker Fest Financial Scandal.

With the Mayor’s recent announcement at an expanded partnerships between GFP and her events group, bar owners who supported her through previous scandals are left asking: what about us?

All eyes will be on newly sworn‑in Alderwoman Linda Johnson, but for a different reason: she has been outspoken against the city’s downtown alcohol‑centric events. Monday’s vote will show whether she is capable of serving her community with principal or if she has been placed there to simply “bend the knee”.

Harmony UMC Solar Proposal: A Litmus Test?

Council will also vote on a Special Use Permit for Harmony United Methodist Church to install ground‑mounted solar panels. Earlier this year, the council denied the same to a longtime homeowner—raising fairness concerns.

Resolutions: Big Money, Few Bids

Among the 15 resolutions up for adoption, two stand out: engineering contracts with Fehr Graham totaling $592,500—despite no competitive bidding. This comes after the city eliminated a full‑time Public Works Director and City Engineer, claiming outsourcing would save money. So far, it looks like a costly choice.

To put it in perspective: that $592K figure is nearly one‑seventh of the expected revenue from the Mayor’s new 1% sales‑tax increase. At this rate, Freeport residents could see their wallets tapped again before year’s end.

Open your checkbooks for Open Bible

One of the biggest 2024 controversies surrounded the Open Bible Water Main Extension. With the facility being allowed to operated for over a decade endangering the lives of the children in their care, City Hall wanted the taxpayers to fix the problem for the religious institution by writing a check for over $1 Million. Rather than addressing the problem, Mayor Miller and City Manager Boyer chose to sweep the issue under the rug until after the election. Fiscal irresponsibility, incompetence and child endangerment don’t normally win election. Now, with their perceived “mandate” and republican majority, it is time to push through and SPEND SPEND SPEND!

What’s the Rush?

A telling indicator of the administration’s tone is the frequent “request suspension of rules” tag beside several ordinances. This procedural move fast‑tracks approvals, skipping normal public input and debate. Given the sweeping changes proposed, the message from City Hall couldn’t be clearer: they’re less interested in serving the people than in doing whatever they want—no questions asked.

Closing Thoughts

Joshua T. Atkinson, who challenged Mayor Miller in the 2024 election, reflected on the city’s direction one year into her third term:

“I ran a fact‑driven campaign. I told the people of Freeport exactly what handing the Mayor another four years would bring. And now, here we are, all I can say is: I should have spoke louder. I just hope the people of Freeport are now awake, listening, and ready to show up and demand transparency, accountability, and integrity.”

Monday’s meeting marks a new chapter for Mayor Miller’s administration—defined by speed, consolidation of power, and minimal tolerance for dissent. For those who care about transparency, public engagement, and fiscal prudence, the May 19 City Council meeting may be the most consequential of the year.

We’ll be there. Will you?