Democracy, it's nice to see you in action.

More than 25 speakers addressed the Monroe County Legislature last night. There was no one issue that brought everyone out, but several ongoing matters. Here's a summary of what they had to say:

• A couple of social-work students advocated for the restoration of child-care funding and services, including an increase in the eligibility standard. They didn't say what school they were from, but a rally in front of the County Office Building prior to the meeting was sponsored by SUNY Brockport's social work department, along with many other organizations.
• A number of speakers asked legislators to reject the Ellison Park Area Master Plan. They expressed opposition to a recommendation to open Tryon Park to off-road cycling, as well as another recommendation to build a shared-use trail in Irondequoit Bay Park West. They said that allowing cycling could cause erosion and harm Irondequoit Bay, and would also pose a danger to hikers and cyclists alike. Brighton Supervisor Sandra Frankel and Brighton Town Board member Louise Novros spoke against a recommendation to open the main path in Ellison Park to vehicle traffic. The Legislature will discuss the plan next month.
• Members of Genesee Regional Off-Road Cyclists spoke in support of the Master Plan, particularly the recommendations that would allow cycling in the two parks. There are no parks open to them, group members said, despite significant interest in off-road cycling. And, they said, the sport is attractive to youth, so it's a good way to get young people to be active.
• Anti-poverty activists criticized the county's job search requirements for welfare recipients, as well as what they said was the high number of sanctions the county issues to recipients. They also took issue with new requirements to get documents notarized, and the difficulty that social services clients have with the phone system - a problem that's gone on for years without resolution.