Anyone with a matter before local government is familiar with the all-too-common ritual exchanges of consideration that occur. No money may actually change hands, but it still looks like bribery. It certainly is not civic-minded charity. The point is to influence government decision-making.
It can be blatant, as with “pay to play” campaign contributions to a politician’s political action committee (always bundled with other contributions solicited for the candidate, never by a corporation, and never to him or her personally). It also can be more subtle, as when an official recommends giving to a specific charity, suggests the gratuitous construction of improvements like parks or trails that generate no revenue for the builder, or simply asks for the hiring of a constituent or a friend. Invariably, the local commissioner or board member will happily claim public credit for the success. Meanwhile, at the very least, the supplicant who made it possible will have strengthened a relationship with a future patron.
