Avoiding The 'Local Trap'

"Just because things are federal does not mean they are more 'remote' or less accountable than provincial or local governments. Quite the contrary: A well-run federal agency is likely to reach people more directly and personally than a poorly run local agency. Federal democracy, with dozens of full-time reporters watching it, well-run offices in every town and well-tested checks and balances, is often going to be more democratic and responsive than anything at a lower level. Localized governments, in fact, can be corrupt, undemocratic and remote in ways that big, central governments often aren't -- not always, but it can happen."