Two weeks ago yesterday, a public records request was filed in Logansport Clerk-Treasurer Tyler Pearson's office, seeking e-mails to and from Mayor Chris Martin related to the allegation that the city owes more than $46,000 to the Super 8 Motel.

Although Pearson, by law, was required to respond by the following business day, a week later, a response finally came. City Attorney Kelly Leeman said in a letter: "I cannot provide those at this time because of the claims and threatened litigation against Mayor Martin in both his private and official capacity for his efforts to promote the Iron Horsemen basketball team and The Basketball League (TBL)."

Leeman continued that the emails were provided to the city's insurance carrier to allow it to provide legal counsel to Martin. But there is no state requirement that emails in pending litigation be withheld from the public. This appears to be an attempt by the city to stonewall the public, and to brush the controversy of Martin's conduct under the rug by getting the city insurance provider to pay the $46,000 via liability or similar coverage under the city's umbrella policy.

Like the Epstein files in Washington, the public should demand its right to know. This again underscores the need for our petition, and why nearly 26 dozen verified Logansport residents have signed it. Many have shared it. Please join us in signing and sharing -- and caring for Logansport. On the day when "Chalk the Block" is being sponsored downtown, help us draw the line when it comes to the mayor's accountability.