It was welcome news this week when Logansport residents learned the efforts by Susan Jarrell to restore the Logansport/Cass County Memorial Center were finally paying off.

Jarrell, wife of former city council candidate Malcom Jarrell, and center supporters succeeded in securing a $750,000 grant from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs to restore the center. It won't be enough, but it will be a start after years of wrangling with county officials over its ownership, function and operation. Although the previous administration prevented its destruction with county officials lobbied to do by changing a state law to allow it to be the war memorial to be replaced by a simple monument, Mayor Chris Martin has been unable to make any progress on the structure in his six years as mayor, even when a Noblesville businessman -- and a Republican -- wanted to come to Logansport to open an event center here. The businessman, who has the No. 1 wedding venue in Indiana, became frustrated with Martin's inability and lack of commitment to his duties and the project.

Jarrell's efforts are to be lauded, but this isn't the way it works in most cities. Mayors take the lead, have a vision and work with stakeholders to make projects happen. Councilman Scott Peattie has been active on this project along with Council President Dave Morris. 

This story is one of the most glaring reasons why we are circulating this petition demanding Martin's resignation and his replacement with a professionally-certified city manager that can run Logansport like a business -- and show up for work on a regular basis.

Please join us in signing the petition and sharing it. Thank you for caring for the future of our community.