The same is true of "upper management" in public service... they just want to hang on until retirement so they don't rock the boat when the politicians run amok with their silly ideas.

Hey! I'm in that category, and frankly, I don't give a damn if the waves slosh over the sides! And I'm fairly certain that unless I come into some sort of windfall (which ain't likely) I won't be able to afford to retire! Why do you think all the little old lady librarians stayed on the job so long? Out of love of the mouthy patrons and snotty-nosed kids?

As for our stupidity: laziness has to play a huge part. It's work to do competent engineering, it's work to think up new (and workable) ideas. And it's work to dig up the money and support needed to fund a good idea, especially when those who DON'T live in the affected area are opposed because they don't want their taxes to go up.

"Hell, it's just a bunch of rednecks/greasers/old folks/young punks/etc. livin' there -- why should I give a shit? Taxes are too high anyway and besides, it ain't MY problem."

Which exemplifies my second point: selfishness and a lack of a sense of community. "I kin buy my own books, so what the hell do we need a library for? Taxes are too high already!"

Note, and not in passing, the role greed plays in all this....

The engineers could solve the problem, but the politicians don't want to hear what the engineers tell them. "It's too expensive, and besides, good ol' Jack is puttin' a new development in there -- strip malls and ever'thing! Redoing the road would put an end to all that!"