John Freeman (mayor)

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John Freeman is a former mayor of Logan City. Freeman is married to his wife Jenny, of which they have four children and four grandchildren. Freeman has been married to Jenny for 26 years.

[edit] Life in Logan

Freeman has been a Logan resident for 26 years. Moving to Logan after the 1974 Brisbane Flood where he lost everything he and his wife owned. With new beginnings they have built quite a successful bolt wholesale business based in Slacks Creek, a suburb in Logan; 80% of the employees of this company are Logan residents.

[edit] Politics

Freeman served as mayor from March 25, 2000 to midnight on February 5, 2006. During this period he served as the chairman of the Southern Regional Organisation of Councils (SouthROC) a position of which he was elected to by his peers. SouthROC comprises Beaudesert Shire, Brisbane City, Gold Coast City, Logan City, Redland Shire and Tweed Shire Councils. Elected on March 25, 2001; Freeman was the first Logan City mayor to hold the position of chairman of SouthROC.

Some of Freeman’s main priorities when mayor of Logan included:

• To create unity among Logan's Divisions
• Providing a safe city for families
• Providing a city in which youth can flourish
• Improving employment opportunities for residents of Logan
• Encourage growth in the business community
• Establishing quality neighbourhoods
• Improving the local transport system.

On Tuesday February 2, 2005 Freeman announced his resignation, this came as a shock to many councillors, Freeman cited "internal turmoil" and "single-minded individuals who continued to create mischief" as reasons for his departure.

He also quoted during his announcement for his resignation: "I should have disregarded the idle threats made by some about going to the media with baseless accusations," he said. "As such, I ... will take full responsibility for what I believe has been a major error in judgment.,” he said “I also believe that I will be able to serve the interests of Logan City and its residents more effectively outside of the office of mayor."

His resignation takes effect on February 5, 2006.