Logansport mayor candidates discuss why they deserve public's vote

May 2—The 2023 Municipal Primary Election is upon us, and voters across Indiana will be turning out today to vote in local elections to vote on one party's candidates.

In Logansport, the focus is on the races for mayor.

Four Democrats and three Republicans are vying for the top seat in Logansport, including incumbent Mayor Chris Martin. Joining Martin on the Republican ballot are former Logansport code enforcement officer Johnny Quinones and James McKeever, who worked in planning and engineering at Logansport Utilities for four decades.

Democrat candidates include former mayor and educator Dave Kitchell, Logansport city council president Jacob LeDonne, retired Indiana State Police and current city council member Larry Hood, and former city council member Terry Doran.

Ahead of the primary, the Pharos-Tribune sent the same questionnaires to all seven candidates participating in the primary elections for Logansport mayor. Six of the seven responded and their answers have been published each day leading up to the primary.

Voters in Indiana are permitted to vote in the partisan primary of the individual's choosing. A voter does not need to be registered with one party to vote for that party in the primary. However, voters cannot vote for both parties in the primary. The polls today are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Candidates were limited to a word count for responses, and responses are in their own words. Responses may have been edited for length and punctuation.

Jacob LeDonne

I will listen and work with anyone looking to help Logansport prosper — regardless of political affiliation. It's important to have a difference of opinion in government.

I'm proud to say that I've lived in Logansport my entire life. I love our parks, I love our businesses, but most importantly, I love the people who call Logansport home. Logansport is filled with hardworking and dedicated individuals. I'd be honored to be able to serve as the mayor of Logansport.

Larry Hood

My experience as a two-term city councilman and working at my current job with the Indiana State Police for the last 34 years shows dedication to the job as well as to the citizens of Logansport and the state of Indiana. I believe that every person deserves to be treated in a fair and professional manner regardless of who they are and that is what I strive to do everyday. I also believe in not spending money just because it is available to use. I am a person who believes in taking care of needs and not wants. I believe in continuing to work on the infrastructure of the community but at the same time remembering that we cannot forget about what we already have.

Terry Doran

I think I best represent the majority of the citizens of Logansport. I was born and raised here. I've worked hard and contributed as best I could. And I have done the things to best prepare me for the job. I think these things as well as a belief that I can help us grow and move forward should earn the trust of the voters.

Dave Kitchell

Experience matters in just about every profession, but especially this one. Having covered politics for 25 years full-time and another seven years part-time, I think politics sometimes overshadows what progress really is and magnifies labels instead of the real laborers.

People who vote for me will likely do it because they know I'm not running for president, but they can trust me to be there for them and the city because I'm vested in the community. I'm running because I feel called to do it.

I think we will give Logansport the kind of commitment it not only needs, but people who have paid their dues deserve. I cherished being mayor. It's a humbling experience. But at the end of the day, the best days are rewarding and the worst days make you want to get up tomorrow and make it better. If I'm elected, I pledge to do that.

James McKeever

Logansport voters should choose me because I have vast experience in our city's governmental make-up. I have spent decades working with all of our City Departments and am extremely well versed on the operations LMU (now Logansport Utilities).

In my career, I have closely dealt with all LMU customers and have been personally involved with the majority of design and construction of our electric transmission and distribution systems.

I have vast experience in working with many county departments and with INDOT at the state level.

I guarantee all Logansport residents that no other candidates have anywhere close to my knowledge or experience, period.

I ask that Logansport residents do themselves a favor and carefully research the backgrounds of each candidate. I am confident that you will find that I am (by far) the best choice of all to become your next mayor.

My word is my bond. If you vote for me, you will not be forgotten, guaranteed.

Vote "J. Mac" for mayor of Logansport on the Republican ballot in the May 2, 2023 City Primary Election.

Thank you kindly.

Mayor Chris Martin

I'm extremely proud of the work we've done over the last 3 years. The arrow is pointing up. In my short time as mayor, we've brought in over 80 companies that have created hundreds of jobs. We're working hard every day to bring in new amenities that will make Logansport a more attractive place to live. Another four years of my administration will mean continued growth and progress. I'm proud to be a lifelong resident of Logansport and I would be honored to serve another term as mayor of our great city.