That said, we don't anticipate a groundswell of support for a bill introduced by state Rep. Mac Toole, R-Lexington, to make the private sector pay for signs naming stretches of South Carolina roads after citizens.

Toole's fed up with the proliferation of the signs, which honor politicians, community leaders, police, military and whoever else someone gets a notion to commemorate. In addition to being a misuse of tax dollars, Toole says, so many of these green and white signs litter the roadside, they have become meaningless.

He might have added that they are a visual distraction and a possible source of confusion for motorists. ("Hey, Mother, is this Highway 21 or the Beauregard T. Billingsworth Memorial Highway?")

At the Legislature's direction, the state Department of Transportation passes on the cost to the city or county where the sign is erected. At more than $400 apiece, it's understandable why some local officials may be upset -- especially when the sign honors one of their political rivals.

Here's an idea: Let the local elected body decide which citizens to commemorate on our state highways, and raise the fee to $4,000 apiece. That would be a sure sign the person honored was loved.

IN SUMMARY
A legislator wants to curtail practice of erecting commemorative highway signs. We have a better idea.