Some years ago, when I served on the Brighton Town Council, our Town Supervisor was Richard Wiles. Although a member of the opposite party (Republican), I admired his integrity, which was beyond reproach, his well-deserved reputation for being absolutely fair, and his ability to rise above partisan politics. His political philosophy could be summed up in one sentence: "The best politics is always doing what is best for the community."

Pity that certain Republican elected officials and party leaders never learned that simple lesson.

On every issue of importance - the so-called FAIR plan, the MCC presidential search, and the Public Defender selection - Republican arrogance and self interest triumphed over public interest and the well being of the community.

This same arrogance and self interest is now attempting to foist Renaissance Square upon an unsuspecting public, even though serious and substantial questions remain unanswered.

For example, why was an internationally known architect hired at a cost of $2.9 million? His plans and drawings were at first hailed as "world class." Only after months of stalling did the county leadership acknowledge that the construction costs of this "unique" design far exceeded what could be afforded. The architect, however, had to be paid. Where was the communication between the project managers and the architect? Who is responsible for the lack of oversight that resulted in this outrageous waste of taxpayer money?

Another lesson that Supervisor Wiles taught me was this: Anytime a public authority proposes a capital project, the first questions must be what the operation and maintenance costs will be, how they will be paid, and who will be responsible for paying these ongoing costs. These questions about Renaissance Square have been asked but never answered.

In addition, the county has admitted that $20 million in private donations must be available to complete the project. Has anyone explored the impact this will have on donations to charitable organizations providing help for the neediest in our community?

How will the contracts for architects, engineers, interior designers, attorneys, and accountants - all of whom are exempt from competitive public bidding - be awarded? Will the primary consideration be the amount they donate to the Republican Party?

Finally, and most important, is this facility really needed? The Eastman Theatre officials have decided not to participate in Renaissance Square but instead to renovate their historic building. Instead of constructing a 2800-seat theatre within Renaissance Square primarily for traveling Broadway shows, why not save the existing Auditorium Theatre? This architectural gem can be remodeled and refurbished for far less money. Providing additional parking facilities for the Auditorium will make it a totally viable location.

And does MCC really need a new downtown campus? I have taught in the present MCC facility in the old Sibley Building and have found it to be perfectly adequate. With relatively few dollars, it could be spruced up and would prevent the historic Sibley Building from becoming just another vacant structure on Main Street.

As Congresswoman Slaughter has so sensibly pointed out, the real need for our community is an intermodal transportation site which can accommodate both trains and buses. Rochester's railroad station is a disgrace. It is totally inadequate to handle increased rail traffic brought about by rising fuel prices. People from out of town who travel by train to our city are left with the first impression that Rochester is a possibly dying city.

An informed and outraged public must call upon their elected representatives to stop this Monster on Main Street now! Perhaps even a few elected Republican leaders will find the courage to join the outcry despite their justifiable fear of retribution from GOP headquarters. Not to end this absurd project would be shameful, unconscionable, and unforgivable.

MICHAEL J. MILLER, BRIGHTON

Miller has served as a Brighton Town Council member, Monroe County Democratic Party chair, and Family Court Judge and currently is of counsel to the law firm of Chamberlain D'Amanda Oppenheimer & Greenfield LLP.