What right? He has the right to say whatever he wants. He also has to take his consequences of what he says. His comments hurt the image of his county. The elected officials of his county have the right to protect the business interests of the county. By denying his a zoning approval, the business interests of the county might be helped.
I don’t agree.
Sure, let him take the consequences from his neighbors, his family, or his friends (if he still has any).
When the government demands such an apology, it’s censorship, pure and simple.