While I appreciate The Detroit News' role in holding government accountable, the article comparing the size of Wayne County's non-unionized work force needed a more fair and balanced analysis ("Ficano's 187 appointees eclipse other counties, state," Nov. 29).

First, more credence should have been paid to the significant differences that exist between the organizational structures of Wayne and Oakland Counties. Specifically, two large Wayne County divisions, roads and mental health, are separate entities in Oakland County that are not under the jurisdiction or authority of the Oakland County executive. In fact, Wayne County's budget for these two divisions alone ($700 million) is almost the entire size of Oakland County's overall budget.

Also, out of Wayne County's entire work force of 3,500 employees, the article made a point to focus on 10 individuals that you imply got their jobs or contracts because of their political or personal connections ("Political vets given lucrative contracts," Nov. 29). However, the article failed to note that some of the employees mentioned were actually already employed in their county positions before I was elected county executive.

Additionally, the former local elected officials now employed by the county are all well qualified and bring impeccable public service credentials. For example, Kevin Kelly, the former Redford Township supervisor, now serving as the county's director of senior citizen services, holds a master's degree and possesses significant practical experience administering senior programs. In fact, out of the 187 employees referred to in the article, nearly 160 hold a bachelor's degree or better, including many physicians and attorneys.

In Wayne County, there are 2.7 county employees per 1,000 residents. In Oakland, that number is 3.7. This is important especially considering that Wayne County's population is 34 percent larger and there are vast socioeconomic differences between the two counties that require the allocation of more resources to areas that Oakland County is not as burdened by.

For example, Wayne County is an older county with an older infrastructure and has a higher number of vacant and abandoned manufacturing plants. Wayne County has 52 percent more households with seniors and 59 percent more individuals older than 65 living alone. Almost 20 percent of our population lives in poverty compared to Oakland County's 6 percent.

Wayne County's unique challenges demand greater assistance from county government and I am not willing to compromise providing critical services to those who need it the most.

I always welcome the scrutiny that comes with the privilege of public service, but I am hopeful that I will not be held to a different standard than my counterparts. As we move forward, I will continue to seek new ways to save taxpayer dollars and improve the quality of our service.

Robert A. Ficano , Wayne County executive, Detroit