Rochester Democratic committees recently had a robust candidate-designation season. This is the early stage, where pols sort out which offices they will offer to fill, and prepare for the all-important primary season, with School Board and City Council likely to be particularly well contested this year.

I made myself available for School Board redesignation after party leaders asked me to. It was heartwarming to win the support of the members of seven of eleven party committees across Rochester. However, as a recent letter in City pointed out, new party rules allowed 10 committee leaders to overrule the votes cast by hundreds of their grassroots members. This was done.

Some have reacted angrily to this. I do not think that is a useful response. I confess that I am scratching my head over why individual leaders who requested that I seek the board seat again would then spike the idea at the convention, in defiance of sometimes lopsided voting in my favor among their members. Some of these leaders have never liked my independence. My hand is still extended to them.

Going forward, it is legitimate for rank-and-file committee members to object to the judgment that leaders exercised in their name and support whomever they wish in primaries. I hope people of good will come together for more democratic party rules. I expect many talented new people to enter the primaries for Council and School Board. Many wonderful people serve on party committees and in neighborhood groups, and comprise a primary electorate that has more than proven their open mindedness. Together we can help built a future worthy of Rochester.

THOMAS BRENNAN, ROCHESTER

Brennan, a Rochester School Board member, plans to seek nomination for City Council in a Democratic primary in September.