You're in dreamland if you think any elected official is going to do the "right" thing for his constituents. There is no one running for public office that has any ethics. Its just about the money. Its always about the money in the US. If they're not a pig before they get elected they shortly will be.
I'm a big believer in the intiative and referendum process. At least there the actual citizen will have a say in how things are done.