In many other cities and towns where development is surging, officials and community groups are fighting back.

He added that officials of Staten Island had fought over the years for a stronger voice in city government.

In the 1980's, state officials fought bruising battles with utilities over rate increases.

Health officials and legislators in Westchester are fighting over who should get precious research dollars.

Elected officials are fighting to improve the financing for both labs.

Yet for the past 10 years it has been a battleground where fishermen and Federal officials have fought bitterly over vehicle access.

Many officials fought some of the changes, and at times they were questioned on Capitol Hill.

Paradoxically, economic growth has shifted to the suburbs, where officials and residents often fight to keep development at bay.

But they're not fighting because they've nobody no, national officials to fight for them.

At the same time, consumer groups and local-government officials have fought back, lobbying for stronger rules.