Regarding your piece on the hot Democratic primary in the 131st Assembly District (August 25): My wife and I have worked for Malik Evans because of his strong, personal characteristics - the underlying toughness you spotted.

As a kid, Malik was strong enough to sanction his peers on student court and was recognized three times for the distinguished Martin Luther King Jr. Award. As a School Board member, he's been resilient enough to work with contentious colleagues - even if they were at odds the day before over a different issue. Strong enough to work out issues behind the scenes between the superintendent and employee groups.

As a candidate, he has been strong enough to stay in a race for an open seat when party insiders tried to push him out. Strong enough to pledge to sign former Mayor Koch's Reform NY agenda, opposed by Assembly Speaker Silver and Assemblyman Gantt. Tough enough to be independent of local political bosses.

Yet he is compassionate enough to address the continuing difficulties of educating extremely poor youngsters from challenged families. As a neighborhood banker in our district, he is well respected for assisting local families and businesses.

In sharp contrast, the party's designee, Harry Bronson, has not agreed to sign Mayor Koch's Reform NY agenda. As a recent Assembly employee, he is beholden to local and Albany political leaders.

Malik Evans' knowledge, compassion, and strength make him the superior candidate of three good people.

JIM KRAUS, ROCHESTER