By promptly replying to a letter from an ordinary resident, the Zhengzhou mayor did exhibit his sense of social responsibility regardless of whether or not it came under public pressure. But there is little reason for this act of his to become big news on social media.

China has in place a system for Party and government officials' elections, but it seems people have become accustomed to the fact that some officials are answerable only to their seniors and not to the people. This "upward-looking" working style has resulted in the neglect of public opinions while making decisions on some local issues.

For example, some big projects have been launched in some regions ignoring local residents' concern over the potential side effects to the environment and public health. And many seemingly well-conceived local development plans have failed to produce the expected results because concrete local conditions were not taken into account.

To make policies effective, governments should be responsive to diverse public opinions, including the concern of the grassroots. After all, non-government brains have long been viewed as a source of wisdom in China.

In Li Guofa's case, not all his prescriptions to reduce air pollution are workable, or feasible for Zhengzhou's city government to follow, because he sees the problem from an individual's perspective without taking into account the benefits of all other groups or the city's overall development. But his open letter and the mayor's reply highlight the need for a regular interaction mechanism between governments and residents, especially before a government makes a decision on a thorny local issue.

In a sense, the Zhengzhou mayor has set an example for his peers. After all, sincere decision-makers are expected to respond to constructive public opinions and learn from well-intentioned criticisms.

The writer is a senior writer with China Daily. wuyixue@chinadaily.com.cn