Industrial safety is key

Regarding “How Harris County is gearing up to handle chemical fires” (Outlook, May 3): Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo understood that we weren’t prepared to respond to the disastrous chemical fires in Deer Park and Crosby. Acknowledging that is the right kind of leadership.

She took steps to keep Spanish-speaking residents better informed about the potential dangers, showing that she understands who often lives in harm’s way, and then she and the Commissioners Court voted to hire four additional environmental prosecutors.

I hope Hidalgo continues to make this issue a priority, and I hope that more elected officials, including those in the state Legislature and in city and county offices, follow her lead and join her in this fight. Johnny N. Mata, Greater Houston Coalition for Justice