Why put off until later what should be done today

In one sense, Rep. Leon Smith is right — Idaho should have a cap on its debt.

Too much debt opens the door to not being able to pay your bills, whether it's your own personal checking account or something much larger, such as the state or federal budget.

Smith, a state representative out of Twin Falls, is challenging Gov. Dirk Kempthorne's road plan. While Kempthorne is proposing to issue $1.6 billion in new and expanded highway projects, including a number in Bonner County and elsewhere in North Idaho, Smith is demanding restraint.

While Smith acknowledges Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle, or GARVEE, bonds have a plan, he says legislative overnight is mandatory.

While the Senate State Affairs Committee approved the governor's plan in an 8-1 vote, Smith questions the plan. He contends the cost of road projects is underestimated while the number of roads needing work is rising.

If money is used to cover debt service, Smith says there won't be anything left for state projects.

While caution is needed, a little common sense and foresight should take care of most of Smith's concerns. Congress authorizes highway funds six years in advance, giving state officials plenty of notice what projects can or cannot be funded.

Delaying much-needed projects will only make matters worse — roads will continue to deteriorate, traffic will continue to grow and funding will always be in shorter supply than demand.

Putting decisions off until tomorrow didn't work for Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone With the Wind," and it won't work for the state when it comes to its highway projects.

The projects make sense, the projects are needed — why not begin them today?

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.