In a controversial move, Logansport Mayor Chris Martin has awarded a five-year contract to an out-of-county firm with little track record instead of opting to employ one of two local firms.

Information from bids for Logansport's trash collection show that Logansport-based Waste Management had a more thorough, detailed bid than Green For Life, the firm Martin awarded the contract too last month. Waste Management, like another Cass County bidder, On Point, pays taxes locally and supports the community. Other than Tyson Foods, it is the only other Fortune 500 corporation operating in Logansport.

The decision is particularly alarming because at a time when the county has the 16th worst unemployment rate in the state, Martin could have created jobs in Logansport and supported a local company. In winter weather, when trash collection is often delayed, especially if trucks have to travel to Logansport from other communities, Waste Management and On Point would have been based here, likely serving as a failsafe to consistent, regular trash pick-up. But given the limited history of Green For Life, there are questions raised about what will happen if the company goes under, or can't find adequate workers. More to the point, Logansport's tax dollars are being sent out of the community to another community, another bank and other people for their betterment. Had the five-year contract been awarded here, that money would have been invested in local jobs that support local community organizations, the tax base, churches and community causes.

This decision and so many others are why we are petitioning, demanding that Chris Martin resign and that the city council hire a professionally-trained city manager in his place.

How many more decisions like this one will hurt Logansport? It's up to us to say "No more." Please sign and share. Thank you for caring for the future of our community.