Here are some suggested questions to ask local candidates.
Part one. When it comes to economic development, housing development, infrastructure projects, and other major land-use decisions that may conflict with existing local zoning ordinances, who do you believe should have the final authority: local voters and elected town or city officials, state government, federal government, or unelected agencies and bureaucracies?
Part two. If a municipality would not otherwise approve a project under its own zoning laws, do you believe it should accept state, federal, or private grant funding that effectively incentivizes or pressures the community to override its existing ordinances? Why or why not?”
In other words.
IN OTHER WORDS
“Who should have the final say over development that conflicts with local zoning—local communities, the state, the federal government, or unelected agencies? And do you believe towns and cities should accept outside funding that induces them to approve projects they otherwise would not permit under their own zoning ordinances?”
FOLLOW-UP
“If local voters and elected officials oppose a project, under what circumstances, if any, should the state or federal government have the authority to override that decision?”