Will County Gazette

Justin Ozinga, a candidate for Mayor of Frankfort, Illinois, has pledged to "bring transparency back" to the local government. This statement comes in response to current Mayor Keith Ogle's decision not to record Committee of the Whole (COW) meetings. Ozinga made his comments in a Facebook post dated February 15.

"Vote for Justin—I'm Bringing Transparency Back," said Ozinga, Mayoral candidate in Frankfort, IL, according to Facebook. "Why aren't the Committee of the Whole (COW) meetings being recorded? Mayor Ogle voted against it, that's why! When the issue was put to a vote, it was split, and Mayor Ogle broke the tie by voting not to record the COW meetings."

According to the Village of Frankfort website, the Committee of the Whole consists of the Mayor and Board of Trustees and meets in a format that encourages thorough discussion without immediate voting pressures. While this committee cannot make final decisions on matters requiring formal Village Board approval, it provides a platform for deliberation and administrative guidance.

Screenshot of Facebook Post | Facebook

The mayoral election in Frankfort is set for April 1, 2025, aligning with the consolidated election schedule. The incumbent, Mayor Ogle, who has been in office since 2021, is seeking re-election. He faces competition from Justin Ozinga, who declared his candidacy in September 2024.

Ozinga said in a news release announcing his campaign: "Many residents and community leaders share my frustrations with the current mayor. Over the past four years, we’ve seen too many broken promises and short-sighted decisions that have limited Frankfort’s future. Others have mentioned a lack of transparency and unnecessary divisiveness that prevents our village government from serving the community’s best interests."

Ozinga is described as a longtime resident of Frankfort and co-owner of Ozinga Bros., Inc., running for mayor with an emphasis on fostering community growth and enhancing transparency.