Editorials

Lawmakers should stay above reproach, ban gifts from lobbyists

Each year, special-interest lobbyists gift-wrap tens of thousands of dollars in sporting tickets, meals and trips for state and region lawmakers. The Times and 22 other Indiana newspapers collaborated recently on the Access to Power investigative series, bringing to light this practice that critics contend allows lobbyists to buy favorable votes from legislators. Many of the gift-accepting legislators retort that such gifts buy no real influence.

Letters to the Editor

Many Americans need health care reform

Just like poverty, discrimination, or a lack of educational opportunities, we are all impacted when any one among us is denied access to adequate health care. Thank you, Rep. Visclosky, for standing up for those who, through no fault of their own, are unable to secure appropriate levels of health care for themselves or their loved ones.

Columnists

Bill Masterson Jr. William Nangle Doug Ross Mark Kiesling Phil Wieland

DOUG ROSS: How callous are lawmakers toward lobbyists?

Beginning last Sunday, The Times and a group of 22 other newspapers across Indiana have told of the influence lobbyists have had on legislators and their work.

Forum

Put the brakes on ethanol plant until all information is made public

Each time new information regarding the proposed trash-to-ethanol plant escapes to daylight from the cracks of the fortress-like Lake County Government Center, the venture appears a riskier deal for taxpayers. First, taxpayers were asked to look upon the plant -- which would be the first of its kind in the country and unproven on the commercial scale -- as an economic opportunity. Then came the revelation last week from county officials that the plant would be owned by the county -- a…

Guest Commentary

Thank a youth worker

Driving along Broadway Avenue in Gary reveals abandoned buildings casting shadows over vacant, crumbling storefronts. A pay-day loan center casts the only bright lights.