Freeport Mayor Jodi Miller is keen to point out that potholes, pavement, and pipes don’t care much
about political parties or different levels of government. When it comes to running a municipality, says
the two-term mayor, bi-partisanship and collaboration with Freeport’s local, state, and federal
representative is the only way to get anything meaningful done.

“It’s easy for us to get wrapped up in our own political beliefs and ideology,” says Mayor Miller. “The
media has politics is in our faces practically all day. But partisan politics—like the kind that’s played in
Washington and Springfield—just doesn’t work at the local level. At the end of the day, you’re expected
to deliver for your constituents. That requires all of us, regardless of party affiliation or level of
representation, to work together.”

Freeport’s Democratic Congressman Eric Sorenson couldn’t agree more. The Rockford-native and
Freeport mayor have created a solid working relationship since the congressman’s election in 2022.

"When Mayor Jodi Miller called me up with a project to upgrade clean drinking water systems in
Freeport, I was thrilled,” says Sorensen. “We rolled up our sleeves and got to work. Working together in
a bipartisan way, we delivered $4 million to improve Freeport’s clean drinking water infrastructure. We
both know there aren’t red pipes or blue pipes, so we worked together for the benefit of the next
generation. I’m proud to call Mayor Jodi Miller a friend and Freeport is lucky to have their own ‘good
neighbor’ serving as Mayor.”

Congressman Sorensen was instrumental in helping Freeport secure much needed funding for the
planned development of the city’s second deep water well and well house.
Mayor Miller also points to the importance of having a solid working relationship with the Stephenson
County government. The two local governmental entities recently worked together to repave Locust
Avenue with half of the repaving funds coming from the County.

“We’ve made a lot of progress in strengthening our relationship with our county government,” says
Mayor Miller. “Chairman Helms and so many of the County Board members have been supportive of our
efforts to improve Freeport’s infrastructure and retool our local economy in Freeport and in Stephenson
County. I also know that State’s Attorney Carl Larson and Sheriff Steve Stovall work hand-in-glove with
our Freeport Police Department to improve public safety in our community and county.”
“In my job, it is critical to have a seamless working relationship with the City of Freeport,” says State’s
Attorney Carl Larson. “We have that with Mayor Miller and her staff.”