One of the most alarming reports this year is that the population of Cass County is now declining.

Since 1920, the population of the county has been steady at or near 40,000 residents. The stability of our community supports local banks, stores, organizations, churches and until this year, our local hospital.

The question becomes when will the population decline stop, or will it? Is it related to immigration? Is it the cost of living or the availability of stores? Is it the lack of housing selection?

These are all possible reasons, but the answers all lie with the highest paid elected official other than a judge or prosecutor in the county -- Mayor Chris Martin.

A year ago, he missed city meetings throughout the month of June and was then delivered a mantra by the Logansport City Council: We need you to do more than you're doing and to commit yourself to show up for work. This came from part-time city officials who even considered putting a time clock on the second floor of the City Building.

A year later, the city faces possible legal action from, of all places, the Manor Motel, over an outstanding $46,000 it says the city owes the motel for lodging the Iron Horse basketball team. Again, Martin failed to show up for Monday night's city council meeting.

Episodes like this are why we're asking concerned Logansport residents to sign this petition. Please read the contents, sign it and share it to demand better for our city.

Thank you for caring for our community.