Your perspective is interesting. However, I don't think centralization is often the solution. Look to Massachusetts as an example. Corruption at the county level that nearly bankrupted Middlesex County led to the abolishen of 8 counties in the late 1990s and resulted in local tax savings. The remaining counties are mostly centered around Cape Cod and the Islands where most of the towns are unincorporated making the county services important unlike in the rest of the state. Granted, Massachusetts has half as many cities and towns as NJ. Most towns in Mass are physically larger than what you find in Bergen, Essex and Union counties here. Nonetheless, we don't hear many stories about corruption from Massachusetts.

The Washington Post last year listed the 6 most corrupt states, and NJ was 5th. It also shows that mayors and city councils of large cities are just as prone to corruption as little town mayors as evidenced by the Chicago and New Orleans examples in the article. And even mid-size mayors like in Providence, R.I. are capable of gross corruption too. This too proves that centralization does not stop corruption.

I've often wondered if Massachusetts' decision to abolish its counties might save NJ tax payers. I pay as much to my municipal government as I do to my county government. My tax bill would drop by a fourth without it. Though presumably the state would have to pick up county duties, but they could also get rid of the ANCHOR Benefit in exchange for the end of county taxes.