Are you kidding me? Put all of the city's and the schools' power - and their money - into one big pot? Mayor Duffy says he's willing to take the hit, lose constituents and friends, for this goal. That's double-speak for "I'm not listening to anyone."

Megalomania is not a positive charm, and more than one voice makes for greater holistic, positive outcomes. The comfort I get as I vote for School Board members is that I know I can "throw the bums out" next election. The man who took a major part in shredding 10 years of Ren Square planning, the man who could not hold the popular Children's Zone initiative together, wants to control everything?

Suburban districts are not engaging in megalo-takeovers. The same folks who came out loud on health care would come out again if their vote was threatened. This is yet another extension of the urban poor being done unto.

I pray calmer heads and clearer hearts prevail. The only known attribute in cities that have experimented with mayoral control is that participation in the schools by parents and community diminishes.

Are we going to give it up just because one man wants it? It is a bad idea. Save Rochester and just say no.

SG LONGHOUSE, ROCHESTER