I refuse to acknowledge? Hell... I'm the one beating the drum that nobody hears!!!
It's these self-important numbskulls in local gubm't that are the biggest threat! Yeesh...
The former policy is preferable, but, given the incredibly high level of political inertia in most places in the nation, very difficult.
The latter is generally distasteful, typically involves ruining reputations and related tactics -- but, take your pick. Which do you want?
Civil ''servants'', whom, as Heinlein noted decades ago ''...in a mature society are semantically equivalent to civil masters.''
Or, cringing bootlickers, afraid to do anything lest someone either sue them or kick their a** up around their ears.
Or, marginally rational humans, handed a strict code of behaviour and consistent rules of conduct, inculcated with the notion ''thou SHALT serve the public, and thou SHALT take, deservedly, all the abuse the public heapeth upon thee when thou fucketh up.''
Your choice...but you can't GET your choice until, quite literally, you demand it. To date, the citizenry has been satisfied with Door #1. This way, ultimately, lies revolution, hardly a good result.
Best wishes, and FReegards!