Ash, who works part-time for Harvard, addedthat the decision "destroys home rule, a veryimportant part of the legal framework in thisstate."
Thomas M. Menino, mayor of Boston, alsoobjected.
"I oppose this action, which gives the peoplein Wellesley or Lee the authority to vote onmeasures taken by local officials," Menino said ina statement.
Cambridge Mayor Kenneth E. Reeves '72, a rentcontrol supporter, is on vacation, according tohis office.
The decision of the Supreme Judicial court wasthe latest in a series of victories for rentcontrol opponents.
Supporters of the price ceilings challenged theoriginal petition in court, charging fraud andduplication of signatures.
But on April 22, a judge ruled that the minimumnumber of signatures was, in fact, obtained. Thatdecision is under appeal