In effect, neither state or local governments would be able to raise the money that our cities and towns need to operate.

According to a report issued earlier this year by City Manager Robert W. Healy, Cambridge stands to lose at least $12.52 million should the CLT petition pass. A more likely scenario calls for cuts on the order of $25 million. Such a loss would devastate the most basic services that everyone in Cambridge--town and gown alike--now depends upon.

For Cambridge, the ultimate irony of the CLT petition is that it would not even result in lower taxes. Healy has told the City Council that the only way to compensate for the loss of funds would be to raise property taxes to the limit allowed by Proposition 2 1/2. For many city residents, that would mean an overall tax increase. And even with the property tax hike, the city will still face cutbacks in basic services by fiscal year 1993.

SUPPORTERS of the CLT petition are fond of ignoring these costs, arguing that the lower tax rate will bring enough new business into the state to turn the economy around. Such arguments betray a sad lack of concern for the thousands of Massachusetts residents whose lives and livelihoods would be devastated by the referenum's passage.

It also begs an obvious question: what kind of business will choose to operate in a state that allows its education system, police departments, fire departments, affordable housing programs and hospitals to be cut to the bone? CLT will drive away as much business as it attracts. No wonder numerous conservative business associations oppose its passage.

Drastic times often call for drastic measures. But not this drastic. No one should let anger win out over compassion and common sense tomorrow. Vote no on Question 3.