Number 10. October 4, 1974

Number 10. October 4, 1974 Honorable John F. X. Davoren Secretary of the Commonwealth State House Boston, Massachusetts 02133 Dear Secretary Davoren: By letter dated September 9, 1974, 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 a bill which would prohibit telephone companies from charging long distance rates for telephone calls made within a community?'' 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 Op. Atty. Gen., pp. 99-100; 1955 Op. Atty. Gen., pp. 51-52. See also, 8 Op. Atty. Gen. (1928), pp. 490, 491-492; 1965 Op. Atty. Gen., 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 5th Plymouth Representative District, that 1 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 Op. Atty. Gen., p. 93. Very truly yours, ROBERT H. QUINN Attorney General