Jobs issue is Job No. 1 for Editorial Advisory Board

When The Times Editorial Advisory Board for Indiana met this month to determine priorities for Northwest Indiana and to offer advice on priorities for The Times' coverage as well, jobs and the economy stood out as top priorities.

Consequently, you'll see a continued focus on coverage of those vital issues in The Times throughout the year.

That includes not just job creation and retention efforts but also job preparation efforts by people and schools.

The Editorial Advisory Board was divided into four groups to discuss priorities. Here is a compilation of their top 10 list:

1. Jobs, economic development and the economy

2. Education

3. Good government at all levels

4. Regionalism and regional pride

5. Health care and environmental issues

6. Poverty and related issues

7. Urban renewal and infrastructure issues

8. Public safety

9. Diversity

10. Civic health and individual interaction.