The Times is right to focus attention on various issues related to the quality of life in Northwest Indiana.

Yes, more consumer demand for higher gas mileage will assist reduction of pollution from BP refinery operations. A regional public bus system could help people reach public health services provided more efficiently by a county system. And implementation of recommendations from the Good Government Initiative could help pay for both.

Keep using the unique capacity of newspapers to inform citizens and help them communicate with the government decisionmakers who can make these improvements happen.

Lee Botts, Gary