Israel certainly has no shortage of parasites - they exist on the local level as well, in large numbers. There are mayors, local political appointees, political party branches, and so on. And of course there are plenty of good jobs for cousins, uncles, and friends. 

The only time anything gets done on the municipal level is when elections are on the horizon. All of a sudden, roads are repaired, playgrounds refurbished, facilities improved, and well, you get the idea.

When elections get near, the local leaders become concerned about losing their cushy jobs – not to mention pensions for mayors who serve two terms – and residents find themselves in the midst of a flurry of activity. They actually think that the residents are stupid enough to think that several weeks of minor projects constitute achievement and progress.