Everyone talks about big city corruption but in my long years of experience, I've seen more sneaky crap pulled in small towns than in any city. There are too many competing interests in most cities. Not saying that favors aren't done in big cities but I've seen zoning maps prepared and filed without approval (CT), 40 acres stolen from a client in a Highway Dept. survey (Maine), Special Zoning permit for one house only, to expire on the death of the owner (CT), deeds misfiled or not filed because the Town Clerk was a drunk (CT) - you get the idea.