I knew somebody who was a real estate developer. He told me that when asked, he always made contributions to politicians running for office. He did not like most of them, but paid to “stay out of trouble.” It is shake down money.
Like Rodney said in “Back to School”....
Melon: Oh, you left out a bunch of stuff.
Barbay: Oh, really? Like what, for instance?
Melon: “First of all, you have to grease the local politicians for the sudden zoning problems that always come up. Then there’s the kickbacks to the carpenters. And if you plan on using any cement in this building, I’m sure the Teamsters would like to have a little chat with you, and that’ll cost you. Don’t forget a little something for the building inspectors. There’s the long-term costs, such as waste disposal. I don’t know if you’re familiar with who runs that business, but I assure you it’s not the Boy Scouts.”