And Is Put To a Quick First Test

Still in infancy, the coalition received its first important test Wednesday night. At a special council meeting called to conduct routine business, Danehy proposed the abolition of blanket rent controls.

Vellucci immediately delayed consideration of the proposal until the council's Monday meeting, but controls remain an issue which severely splits the coalition.

The coalition's two independents, Sullivan and Russell, both oppose controls, while all four liberals support them. Councillor Francis H. Duehay '55 called Danehy's move "an attempt to break up the coalition" before the council formally votes on Corcoran's replacement, but Danehy denies any ulterior motives.

With four liberals backing controls, and four independents probably opposed, independent Vellucci is the swing vote. Vellucci has backed controls in the past, but now says coyly that he faces "a big decision."