I have worked with various public entities: Ca. Dept. of Water Resources, East Bay Mud, SF PUD, LADWP, Orange County Water, OC Sanitation.
I have found at the lower levels the engineers to be capable, but lacking experience, smart, but in need of training, eager to do what is right, but also: Their hands are tied by higher ups and politicians. As these people mature in their positions they become: resigned to the situation, unwilling to make decisions, and simply passing the paper work through so as to cover their butts.
By “public service” I meant elected or appointed. Not the rank and file.