Number 11. October 4, 1974

Number 11. October 4, 1974 Honorable John F. X. Davoren Secretary of the Commonwealth State House Boston, Massachusetts 02133 Dear Secretary Davoren: In a letter dated September 9, 1974, you have asked me whether the following question is one of public policy in accordance with G. L. c. 53, § 19: "Should the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) construct a Rapid Transit station in South Quincy?" P.D. 12 55 While the proposal involved in the question encompasses a small area geographically, the problem of public transportation is one of great con- cern to the Commonwealth in general. Therefore, keeping in mind the fact that the term "public policy" should be construed broadly, 8 Op. Atty. Gen., p. 490, 493, I conclude that the question satisfies the re- quirements of G. L. c. 53, § 19, see also 1969 Op. Atty. Gen., p. 37, 1955 Op. Atty. Gen., p. 51. Consequently, the question may properly be included on the election ballot in the Represenatative District which you have mentioned, namely, the 1st Norfolk. You have further requested 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 following form: "Shall the Representative from this District be instructed to vote in favor of the passage of a bill requiring the Mas- sachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to con- struct a rapid transit station in South Quincy?" Very truly yours, ROBERT H. QUINN Attorney General