EDITORIAL: Now that it's here, spend money wisely

After a tense, white-knuckle, nail-biting process, it's finally official. Lake County has adopted an income tax, just like every other Indiana county. Now it's time to make sure the money is spent wisely.

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD: What has Northwest Indiana done to attract tourists?

The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority will be 30 years old on July 1. Throughout my tenure as president/CEO of the organization, we have led the region's hospitality industry in a wide array of issues, and I can assure you we have no intention of resting on our laurels now.

RICH JAMES: Credit Soliday for trying to help Lake County

I suspect state Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, limped home from the Indiana General Assembly a bitter and beaten man.

EDITORIAL: Grease the wheels of rail expansion

The path to extension of commuter rail service to south Lake County has been stalled for years, but not derailed. The Indiana General Assembly's study of the issue this summer could finally grease the wheels of progress.

EDITORIAL: Lake's income tax debate begins

Tuesday's 4-3 preliminary vote on an income tax for Lake County should not be seen as an opening salvo against the county's taxpayers. Rather, it's a step toward coming to grips with reality.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Accessible, comprehensive mass transit system needed

Northwest Indiana has been shaped and continues to be sustained by transportation.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Trust local officials to do what's right

Why would mayors around the state support mass transit legislation that only affects central Indiana residents?

EDITORIAL: Move court, but help move people

Testimony in last week's trial over moving the Lake Juvenile Court's Gary child support operations to Crown Point discussed how accessible these services are to the poor. It is a symptom of a larger problem in Lake County.

South Shore Line study on track for Senate

INDIANAPOLIS | The future of the South Shore Line and its governing board would be the topic of a General Assembly study this summer under legislation approved Tuesday by the Indiana House.

EDITORIAL: Lake cuts spending, but needs revenue

Lake County's new study showing it is one of the most frugal county governments in the state looks good on paper, but remember, this is looking at what the study identifies as core services and doesn't discuss other important issues, like public transportation, that are not universal across …

EDITORIAL: We pick Visclosky for U.S. House

These are troubled times for the United States. That makes Northwest Indiana's choice in the 1st District U.S. House all the more important.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Public transportation is necessary part of society

In 2000, the Regional Transportation Authority was formed to build an efficient transportation system for Lake County. With its location near Lake Michigan, the Gary airport, access to commuter trains and a bus system, Lake County should be an unparalleled transportation center.

EDITORIAL: Transportation, health merit renewed focus

Transportation and health are two sectors that merit immediate attention in Northwest Indiana. Both saw the quality of life decline, as reported in the 2012 Quality of Life Indicators Report released Tuesday by One Region.

EDITORIAL: End of funding isn't end of need

It is not difficult to characterize the Regional Bus Authority as an agency in its death throes. The agency's executive director, Tim Brown, is left without an ongoing service to direct because the agency ran out of money.

EDITORIAL: An education in using public transit

Students in Gary's secondary schools shouldn't be expected to walk two miles to school each day, regardless of whether it's uphill and there's snow on the ground. Fortunately, there's a better answer for them now.

EDITORIAL: RBA infighting is hurting its cause

The Regional Bus Authority was disbanded, then quickly reconstituted. The deck chairs were rearranged on a ship that has already sunk. Nothing else changed.

MARK KIESLING: The RBA — to be or not to be?

Yep. William Shakespeare asked that question about 500 years ago, admittedly in a different context.

EDITORIAL: Lake County Council throws riders under the bus

The clock is ticking for regional bus service, yet the stubborn Lake County Council has again refused to get on board.

Bus passengers deserve to be heard, respected, supported

I am stunned by the blatant insensitivity of local politicos who have buried their heads in the sand chanting mea culpa while public transit goes down on July 1.