Camarota: Do You Prefer Local Control Of Zoning Or State Centralized Planning?

To the Editor:

Many of us voted for candidates who promised to protect local control, honor the principle of smaller government, and keep decision-making close to the people. But this Republican/Free State-led majority has left us stunned.

A wave of bills, quietly introduced and rapidly advanced, aim to strip authority from our local zoning boards and to centralize power at the state level. We, the constituents, were blindsided. The “smaller government” legislators claim to be addressing the housing problem, but why do they think bigger government can do it better? Look around this fine state at all the housing projects! Our local zoning boards and the voters understand local infrastructure needs and we, the voter, want a say at the ballot box. Do not take that away.

This isn’t just a policy shift — it’s a betrayal. The very lawmakers who ran on “limited government” and “local control” are now pushing for centralized planning. It’s disheartening and disrespectful. We’ve been blindsided. Bewildering to say the least. The message this legislature is sending is clear: they trust bureaucrats and lobbyists more than the voters who put them in office. Lobbyists and beneficiaries (NH Home Builders Association, developers, realtors, investors, to name a few) are the ones to gain. Housing needs are being addressed without handing control over to the State.

We expect better. We deserve better. There’s still time to change course, but lawmakers must start listening to the people they represent. Local control isn't a talking point. It’s a bedrock value.

Legislators: Next session, please support local zoning and the voters’ ability to vote at the ballot box

Hon. Linda Rea Camarota

Bedford