> Its up to the local populace to decide what they want.
Thinking that's the solution to every problem is rather naive. For one thing, it's a great way to abuse minorities for the minor benefit of majorities.
More importantly, it ignores the fact that actions can have externalities far beyond a local jurisdiction. Just like a town shouldn't be able to "vote" to rob everyone who drives on their highway (or, more realistically, eliminate air quality controls), neither should it be allowed to have complete control over travel regulations. Travelers might not be a constituent in local elections, but travel and interstate commerce does have key externalities.
Thinking that's the solution to every problem is rather naive. For one thing, it's a great way to abuse minorities for the minor benefit of majorities.
More importantly, it ignores the fact that actions can have externalities far beyond a local jurisdiction. Just like a town shouldn't be able to "vote" to rob everyone who drives on their highway (or, more realistically, eliminate air quality controls), neither should it be allowed to have complete control over travel regulations. Travelers might not be a constituent in local elections, but travel and interstate commerce does have key externalities.