Professor Tribe Comments On Ballot Classification Issue

"The classification amendment would provide a distinct improvement on the current tax system," Laurence H. Tribe '62, professor of Law, said yesterday in reference to Referendum Question 1, the property tax classification amendment.

Tribe serves as special counsel for the city of Boston, and represented Boston Mayor Kevin H. White in a court suit to uphold White's spending an estimated $1 million in city funds to campaign for the ballot question.

Supreme Court Chief Justice William J. Brennan Jr. last month granted a stay of the state court ruling against White. Since then, the city has allocated almost $500,000 on advertising statewide, Harold J. Carroll '65, Boston's assistant corporation counsel, said yesterday.

If approved by voters on November 7, the amendment to the state's constitution would allow the Massachusetts legislature to establish four different classes of real property for tax purposes: residential, commercial, industrial and open land, instead of assessing all property at full value.

Robert L. Beal '63, president of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board, said yesterday he opposes the amendment because it would result in higher real estate taxes. "The voters haven't been told the legislature will be able to change the assessed value percentages within the four classes any time. The advertising by the city is confusing voters."

"The main reason for the confusion is that the opposition is focusing on a non-issue. Saying there will be a tax increase under classification is like saying taxes will rise if you elect Frank Hatch or Ed King. Taxes will rise with or without it," Tribe said.