Number 12. October 4, 1974

Number 12. October 4, 1974 Honorable John F. X. Davoren Secretary of the Commonwealth State House Boston, Massachusetts 02133 Dear Secretary Davoren: By a 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 constitutional amendment which would abolish the Executive Council?" 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; Op. Atty. Gen., 1970/1971-10. See also, 8 Op. Atty. Gen. (1928), pp. 490, 491-92; 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 I supply your office with a suitable statement of the question for presentation 56 P.D. 12 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 Op. Atty. Gen., 1970/1971-10. Very truly yours, ROBERT H. QUINN Attorney General