Should federal elected officials involve themselves in local government decisions at all? And if so, on whose behalf? In favor of the business seeking approval? In favor of the local government weighing the decision? Or in favor of citizens opposed to the pending action?
The Constitution grants Congress no direct authority over county council votes or FILOT agreements, and South Carolina’s Home Rule Act vests that authority squarely with county governing bodies, not Washington. But when a congressman’s industry alliances, caucus affiliations, and campaign donors have a direct stake in the outcome, the question gets more complicated. And when that involvement is selective, extended on behalf of a company but withheld when residents raise safety concerns, it demands scrutiny.
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