Number 14 September 30, 1970

Number 14 September 30, 1970 Honorable John F. X. Davoren Secretary of the Coinmomvealth State House Boston, Massachusetts 02133 Dear Secretary Davoren: By a letter dated September 4, 1970, you have asked me whether the following question is one of public policy in accordance with section 19 of Chapter 53 of the Massachusetts General Laws: "Shall the Representative from this District be instructed to vote to approve the passage of such measures, including constitutional amendments, as m.ay be necessary to effect the substitution of regionally based service districts for county governments?" 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 is therefore 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, 490, 491-92; 1965 Opinions of the Attorney General, pp. 92-93. You have requested further that if I determine the question submitted to be one of "public policy" and therefore properly included on the elec- tion ballot in the 7th Essex Representative District, that I supply your office with a suitable statement of the question for presentation upon the ballot. It is my opinion that the question, as presently stated, is in proper form and may be printed on the ballot as such. See 1965 Opinions of the Attorney General, p. 93. Very truly yours, ROBERT H. QUINN Attorney General