Former mayor David Kitchell has stirred up a significant conversation in Logansport with his petition calling for the resignation of current Mayor Chris Martin. The petition, which highlights what Kitchell and supporters describe as a series of leadership failings, has gained attention among residents and local officials. The question now is whether the petition’s claims accurately reflect the challenges facing the city and whether it will garner enough support to push for action.
Kitchell’s petition outlines several areas of concern, focusing heavily on Martin’s handling of the recent influx of Haitian immigrants, an issue that has put Logansport in the national spotlight. The petition claims that while local churches and schools have played a crucial role in helping immigrants integrate, Martin has failed to provide the leadership necessary to manage this influx, leading to negative perceptions of the city. Supporters of the petition argue that this reflects a broader pattern of inaction, while detractors believe the mayor has done his best to handle a complicated situation.
Another key point in the petition addresses Martin’s assertion that Logansport’s population has increased by 30% in recent years, a claim based on increased hospital services at Logansport Memorial Hospital. Kitchell challenges this, arguing that the increase in hospital usage is due to the closure of neighboring hospitals rather than a population boom. This discrepancy between data interpretation and actual population figures has become a focal point of the petition.
The economic downturn caused by the pandemic also plays a central role in the petition. Kitchell highlights the closure of long-standing local restaurants such as Amelio’s, Mr. Happy Burger, and Lin’s, pointing to what he sees as Martin’s failure to provide adequate support to local businesses. Critics argue that while some businesses struggled due to the pandemic, the city's ability to attract new chain restaurants demonstrates growth in other sectors.
The petition further critiques Martin’s track record in economic development, stating that no new industries have been attracted to the Cass/Logan Industrial Park in nearly five years. Kitchell argues that this failure stifles potential job creation and limits Logansport's economic growth. However, supporters of Martin might point to external factors beyond the mayor’s control, such as global economic trends and shifts in manufacturing demand.
Public safety has also emerged as a central issue in the debate. Under previous administrations, Logansport was ranked as one of Indiana’s top 10 safest cities by SafeWise, an independent organization. However, according to the petition, the city has dropped out of the top 50 during Martin’s time in office, prompting concerns about crime prevention and law enforcement policies.
The petition additionally highlights a decline in housing development, with only two new structures built in the past five years compared to the previous administration's total of 30. Kitchell argues that this reflects a failure to address the city’s housing needs and maintain momentum in community growth.
Transparency in government is another key grievance. The petition notes that Martin suspended public comments on the city’s official Facebook page, limiting residents’ ability to engage in open dialogue. It also criticizes the termination of the city’s transparency portal, which had been funded through Horizon Bank, as a step backward in accountability.
Kitchell's petition also references a public rebuke Martin received from the Logansport City Council in June, noting his lack of response to taxpayers. Further, the petition raises concerns about the mayor's frequent absences from his office, which has prompted the council to consider establishing minimum requirements for the mayor’s daily work schedule.
One of the petition’s most notable demands is the call for a professional, non-partisan city manager to take over the administrative responsibilities currently held by the mayor. Kitchell cites examples from other Indiana cities, such as Fishers and Munster, where city managers have been successfully appointed to improve government efficiency and stability.
As the petition gains traction, the question of its validity comes to the forefront. The issues outlined are resonating with some residents who feel that more could be done to address the city’s challenges. However, Martin's supporters argue that many of the problems listed, such as the economic impact of the pandemic and industrial development, are complex and not entirely within the mayor's control.
With the community now engaging in a heated debate, the outcome remains uncertain. Will the petition receive enough backing to influence significant changes in city leadership, or will it be seen as a politically motivated challenge to Martin’s administration? As the discussion continues, Logansport residents will play a crucial role in determining the future of their city’s governance.
View the petition here
Signed the Petition