Rockford's second ward Alderperson resigns, called to duty

From serving our city to serving our country, second ward alderperson Jonathan Logemann resigned from Rockford city council Monday night.

Also a teacher at Auburn High School, Logemann serves the United States in the National Guard.

Logemann is also a husband and father. Next week he will be deployed to Afghanistan to serve as an S-4 logistics officer. He read his letter of resignation at his last city council meeting Monday.

"I could ask for no better position," said Logemann. "Helping people is an extraordinary thing, and I love doing it."

"I've always intended to be party to the good fight. And in a bittersweet way I must resign in order to serve my city in a different capacity."

Logemann said resigning from city council was a personal choice. He said the people in the second ward deserve to be actively represented and recommended Tony Gasparini to take his place.

"Him going off to serve our country in Afghanistan is just a reflection of who he is," said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. "He's someone of of high integrity."

This will be Logemann's first deployment since joining the Army in 2012. He said he's excited to return to Auburn High School in 18 months to share his experience, and he also expressed his future plans working for the city.

"I'll be back," said Logemann.

Mayor McNamara said he's been in contact with Gasparini, and anticipates a final replacement within the next few weeks.