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Adoption of a single metropolitan gov for Nashville & Davidson County in 1962, at a time when many reform proposals have been rejected elsewhere, provides an opportunity to examine the role of professional pol'al leaders in its formulation & adoption. 30 yrs of Nashville subUr spillover without annexation led to the familiar pattern of a service vacuum, inequalities, rivalries, & confused responsibility. During the 1950's, 2 surveys by professional staffs, working closely with the Nashville mayor & a rival Davidson County judge, led to a proposal for major structural change (city-county consolidation) which was endorsed by both the mayor & the judge. Their support was undoubtedly helpful in the 1958 campaign, but it was rejected by the voters outside Nashville. 2 windfall issues - annexation & an auto tax - & the opposition of the Nashville mayor contributed to a new & successful vote in 1962. The Nashville experience indicates that active involvement of rival professional pol'al leaders in all stages of a reform movement is possible, is not necessarily a 'kiss of death', does not prevent `radical reform,' & may actually constitute a tactical advantage for Ur reformers. AA.