Yes, normally his more accepting view of outsiders and more passive actions on things tend to work better than his rival Mr. Threehorn, but, I think, at least in movie 3, I think Mr. Threehorn was in the right about a lot of what he was doing about the drought (banning Cera from being with Littlefoot being the exception). Why would he try and make exceptions for the kids after they agreed on the water rationing? Mr. Threehorn probably saved the Great Valley from disaster there.
Also, the way he did it was bound to provoke Mr. Threehorn’s wrath. He didn’t ask first, he just assumed it and allowed Littlefoot to do it.