Tasked with revitalizing Freeport’s struggling business corridors and addressing widespread blight across neighborhoods and commercial properties, Duckmann's job has been far from easy. In a recent radio interview with Big Radio, he blamed Freeport’s stagnant housing development on the city’s low property values. He noted that builders are opting to work just across the border in Wisconsin, where they can earn up to three times as much for comparable new homes.

That interview, like many public moments during his tenure, has sparked criticism. In fact, 2025 mayoral candidate Joshua T. Atkinson recently called for the immediate restructuring of Duckmann’s position.

“I believe Mr. Duckmann is genuinely trying to do the best job he can,” Atkinson said. “But the administration has set him up to fail. In what world does it make sense for the person responsible for growing our local economy to also be in charge of fixing our housing crisis and addressing neighborhood blight? These are massive challenges that have been neglected for years, and expecting one person to handle both is a recipe for continued failure. I believe splitting this role into two positions would lead to better results for the people of Freeport.”

Criticism of Duckmann’s performance is not limited to policy outcomes. His tenure has been shadowed by a series of controversies, one of the most persistent being his alleged circumvention of the city’s residency requirement. According to multiple sources, Duckmann is reportedly “renting” a room at 1021 W. Douglas, a property owned by a sitting Stephenson County Board member. The truly puzzling issue, if this arrangement is legitimate, is that as of April 23, 2025, the property had not been registered as a rental unit with the City of Freeport.

This is especially problematic given that Director Duckmann himself is the official responsible for implementing, operating, and enforcing the city’s rental registration program. The apparent failure of the 1021 W. Douglas property to comply with that very ordinance raises serious concerns about selective enforcement and a troubling lack of accountability within city leadership.

Beyond that, Duckmann has come under fire for authorizing demolitions without city council approval—leading to lawsuits now costing taxpayers. He has also faced widespread criticism from community members, who have raised concerns over his hiring of individuals closely connected to the Mayor, as well as accusations of theft, discrimination, and retaliation. These allegations, though not formally adjudicated, have fueled growing public distrust and frustration with how the department has been managed under his leadership.

Amid these growing concerns, rumors of his departure gained traction when James Arndt, president of Arndt Municipal Support Inc., publicly stated that his firm would begin the search for a new Community & Economic Development Director on April 1, 2025. Arndt’s consulting firm is no stranger to Freeport, having worked closely with city staff in the past. In fact, City Manager Rob Boyer previously praised the company for its DISC assessment training, saying it helped enhance organizational performance across departments.

Despite several unanswered calls, we find that Arndt Municipal Support has an established relationship with the city, and the job listing seems unlikely to be a mistake.

City Manager Boyer has dismissed rumors of Duckmann’s departure, stating only that he has not received a formal resignation. But sources inside City Hall suggest otherwise—some even claiming a female replacement has already been identified. If true, that may explain the recent push to eliminate Freeport’s longstanding residency requirement. Critics argue the move was designed to allow out-of-town hires without local competition, especially given that no job opening has been posted publicly on the city’s website.

Even more troubling is the lack of transparency. If Duckmann is indeed being replaced, why has the city council not been informed? Why are key leadership changes happening behind closed doors?

Tensions have been rising ever since council members learned of a lawsuit stemming from a home demolition allegedly authorized without their knowledge. Since then, Duckmann has become increasingly combative during council meetings—speaking out of turn, smirking at questions, and openly rolling his eyes during discussions.

If he hasn’t resigned, is Duckmann being terminated for cause? If so, has the proper documentation been shared with council during executive sessions? And just who is the new director reportedly being lined up to take over this critical role?

One thing is clear: Freeport residents deserve transparency when it comes to leadership changes that directly affect the city’s growth, housing, and future.

Until official answers come, we’re left to read between the lines.