As I see it, there are at least three different types of corruption. Most folks overlook the third, which is the most insidious.
The three are:
1) Demanding personal gain for your approvals;
2) Being offered something for your approval; and,
3) Administering your own agenda.
For example, there is one city (Gary, In.) whose Police Chief refused to allow the carry of firearms in his city, despite state laws and court rulings to the contrary.
While not as clearly documented, neighboring Chicago has a long reputation for their licensing, and inspections, being solely focused on looking for the IBEW sticker. Their entire city administration has a well-documented history of irregularities in zoning, permits, and inspections.
Likewise, there are countless tales out there of administrative capriciousness. For example, my very first permit application ran into problems because the plans were on the wrong size paper - despite the fact that I had specifically asked the same clerk, beforehand and in the presence of his boss, if the size I planned to use was acceptable. Oops. I'm sure they both had a real good chuckle at my expense.
Such little 'jokes' are the best proof of power corrupting. After all, you can't take your business elsewhere.
