I know a property that runs along the back of my, and others properties wanted to do a zone change to allow container storage. We all had to be consulted and given a chance to say so.
yes everyone *can*. but you have people who's full time "job" is to meddle while the people whose lives they meddle in are busy living (working, raising families, hobbies).
Yes, but they were elected to that job. On a whole it is a good system. There are elements that are not perfect. There are different places with different approaches.
Depends on if this is a popular vote election, of a majority of districts election. There are pros and cons the each system. Germany uses both for their elections I hear.