Number 12 September 29. 1970

Number 12 September 29. 1970 Honorable John F. X. Davoren Secretary of the Commomvealth State House Boston. Massachusetts 02133 Dear Secretary Davoren: By letter dated September 1, 1970, you have asked me whether the following question is one of public policy in accordance with section 19 50 P.D. of Chapter 53 of the Massachusetts General Laws: "Shall the Representative from this District be instructed to vote to approve the passage of a bill requiring all members of the State Senate and House of Representatives to file with the Secretary of State a report of all of their financial assets and sources of income?" It is my opinion that the question presented is an "important public question" in which "every citizen of the Commonwealth has an in- terest" and therefore is a question of "public policy" within the mean- ing of G. L. c. 53, § 19. See 1939 Opinions of the Attorney General, pp. 99-100; 1955 Opinions of the Attorney General, pp. 51-52. See, also, 8 Opinions of the Attorney General 1928, pp. 490, 491-492; 1965 Opinions of the Attorney General, pp. 92-93. Consequently, the question may properly be included on the election ballot in the Representative District which you have mentioned, namely: 15th Suffolk. You have requested further that I supply your office with a suitable statement of the question for presentation upon the ballot. It is my opin- ion that the question should be printed on the ballot in the form in which it appears in this letter. Very truly yours, ROBERT H. QUINN Attorney General