Keeping taxes low is something we all want our elected officials to pursue. More than 40 lawmakers who signed the pledge aren't even listening. Again, a laudable goal. But there are times when more money is needed. Costs go up.
Roads wear out.
Areas like Northern Kentucky grow quickly and need road projects to ease congestion. Elected officials say they sign the pledges to protect the public's money and to keep taxpayers from paying more, and on those points there is little doubt they are being honest and truly want a more fiscally responsible government. But some of the motivation is clearly political. Pols run on the fact that they signed the pledge because it sounds real nice at election time. Signing a pledge, like ducking a tough vote, is easy.