EDITORIAL: Learn more about the RDA

The Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority is undeniably at a crossroads. Porter County's secession attempt is short-sighted.

The RDA is set up to deliver long-term gains on long-term investments. Pulling out of the RDA now is akin to looking at a 401(k) statement after five years of investments, realizing there isn't enough set aside yet for retirement, and deciding to give up on it.

That's not the way long-term investing works. That's as true for the RDA as it is for a retirement plan.

The agency is bearing the brunt of reactionary anger against the possibility of a new tax that would be levied if voters create a regional transportation district that could include Lake, Porter, LaPorte and St. Joseph counties. That entity, comprised of elected officials, would have the power to tax residents in order to pay for extending South Shore commuter rail service, combining bus lines in Lake and Porter counties, and operating those services.

The RDA alone can't accomplish all that. Its money is inadequate for the task, and the RDA is suited for new projects, not continuing operations.

But the public transportation work must be done.

Northwest Indiana needs the transportation infrastructure in place to provide economic development for the 21st century. That includes public transportation as well as highways.

Public transportation is a quality of life issue, just as the Marquette Plan for public access to the Lake Michigan shoreline is aimed at improving the quality of life.

What are the riders to do if they need rides but don't have affordable options?

Porter County officials and others who oppose the RDA should look at the long-term benefits, not just the short-term costs. And look at the cost of inaction as well.

Having weighed the arguments made by each side, we continue to support the RDA as a vehicle for essential long-term investments in the region.

However, not everyone has heard all the arguments on either side of this debate.

That's why The Times has put together a symposium on the RDA for Tuesday. The centerpiece is a panel discussion on the future of the RDA and the future of transportation and other economic development in Northwest Indiana.

Discussing this issue will be:

* Leigh Morris, RDA Chairman

* Mark Reshkin, Retired Indiana University Northwest Geology Professor

* Thomas McDermott Jr., Mayor of Hammond

* Robert Harper, Porter County Commissioner

* Larry Blanchard, President, Lake County Council

* Jack Rust, President, Porter County Farm Bureau Inc.

Dan Lowery, host of the Lakeshore Focus program on Lakeshore Public Television, will moderate the event.

It's a vital public policy debate that will shape the future of the region and the quality of life here for decades to come.

We strongly encourage you to attend this event at the Porter County Expo Center to learn more before you make up your mind on this issue.

If you go

When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday

Where: Porter County Expo Center, Division Road at Ind. 49, just south of Valparaiso

Admission: Free

Your opinion, please

What recommendations do you have for the future of the RDA, transportation and other economic development in Northwest Indiana?

Share your thoughts at http://nwi.com/opinion