Cole says that attempts at reform are missing the point.
He writes, "...we may see misguided 'reforms' duck the specific solutions to the real problem. Corruption is like cancer - it comes in different forms and is best curbed with specific treatments. Arbitrary new rules aimed at 'reforming' every city government would be a ridiculous over-reaction. It would only further hamstring the effectiveness of local government at a time when we need more efficiency, not less. The same goes for generic and toothless reforms that simply sound good."
