If the Independents secured a fifth pro-business, conservative seat on the Council, they would almost certainly weaken or abolish the rent control law and would probably cut zoning restrictions to encourage development. They would also most likely keep Healy in office.

1-2-3 Adds Interest

Adding further excitement to the 1989 race is the presence on the ballot of Proposition 1-2-3, a binding referendum whose chief provision would let rent-control tenants buy their units as condominiums after living there two years or more.

Sullivan said he would devote much of his spare time this fall to fighting the measure, which he considers one of the gravest threats ever to rent control.

The measure's supporters, who have so far received generous contributions from the city real estate industry, may bring out a strong anti-rent control vote that could sweep in a fifth Independent. But on the other hand, the threat to rent control may bring out more votes from those who benefit from the system.

Graham's Successor

Meanwhile, Graham, the only Black city councillor, says her bloc of voters will probably keep "a Black seat" on the next council--but adds, "it could be a more moderate Black seat."

Possible successors, she said, include Alan Bell, a polling and management consultant from North Cambridge. Reached last night, Bell said he filed his candidacy papers last week, making him one of the first official contenders.

He described himself as "more moderate" than Graham. He also said he would favor Proposition 1-2-3, but only with safeguards that would protect minority and low-income citizens from "being squeezed out" by rent-control landlords interested in prospective condominium buyers.

Bell said he got on well politically with Graham, but added, "my reach is different from hers." He noted that his political ties in the city include a variety of civic board memberships, the vice-presidency of the Chamber of Commerce and his company's business relationship with the Community Development and School Departments.