The Democratic members of the Monroe County Legislature issued a guide on June 27 outlining specific ways to improve our county government (described in City Newspaper on July 3). As a Democratic candidate for the legislature from the 10th district, I would like to comment on this excellent blueprint.

I spent 24 years in the radio business turning around struggling radio stations, and the one common dominator for success that I found was willingness to be innovative - to think outside the box. Every time I went into a new situation, the old owners would tell me that they had tried everything and it just didn't work. Similarly, the reaction of the Monroe County Republicans is that they have tried most of these ideas already, and the Democrats are merely practicing politics.

What makes one set of ideas work and a similar set fail? Look at sports teams for a clue. The most important key to success is a shared vision by all the team members of the mission. A tight-fisted hold on power does not produce teamwork. It produces resistance. An immediate rejection of innovative ideas will not lead to new solutions. It will result in divisive politics as usual and a continuing deterioration of our county's economy.

The Democrats' "We the People - A Citizen's Guide to Taking Back Monroe County" is an excellent place to start, but it will never see the light of day unless the Democrats take over the majority in the County Legislature. I need to be elected in the 10th District, in Pittsford and East Rochester, and two other Democrats need to win seats now held by Republicans. The goal is clear, and the benefits for Monroe County will be far-reaching. I urge your readers to get involved in this very important undertaking.

Ted Nixon, Sunset Boulevard, Pittsford