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In my last post, I pointed to a column about Gov. Palin's experience as mayor of Wassila, Alaska.

I thought I might higlight a small portion, because it seems to me more than a little apropos of how she things gov't ought to do things.

Sarah campaigned in Wasilla as a "fiscal conservative." During her six years as mayor, she increased general government expenditures by more than 33 percent. During those same six years, the amount of taxes collected by the city increased by 38 percent. This was during a period of low inflation (1996-2002). She reduced progressive property taxes and increased a regressive sales tax, which taxed even food. The tax cuts that she promoted benefitted large corporate property owners way more than they benefited residents.

Just the thing. It's quite in keeping with John McCain's tax plan.

So, what did she do with the increased revenues? We can assume (as a fiscal conservative) she either invested it in needed things, or that she set it aside, against unexpected need.

Sadly it seems she didn't quite do that (to the shock of all, I am sure, given the examples from Washington DC since the Republicans were in charge of all three branches of Gov't for six years and could set an example of how to reduce the tax rates; stimulating economic growth, while trimming fat and keeping spending in line with income).

The huge increases in tax revenue during her mayoral administration weren't enough to fund everything on her wish list, though — borrowed money was needed, too. She inherited a city with zero debt but left it with indebtedness of more than $22 million. What did Mayor Palin encourage the voters to borrow money for? Was it the infrastructure that she said she supported? The sewage treatment plant that the city lacked? Or a new library? No. $1 million for a park. $15 million-plus for construction of a multi-use sports complex, which she rushed through, on a piece of property that the city didn't even have clear title to. That was still in litigation seven years later — to the delight of the lawyers involved! The sports complex itself is a nice addition to the community but a huge money pit, not the profit-generator she claimed it would be. She also supported bonds for $5.5 million for road projects that could have been done in five to seven years without any borrowing.

There you have it. The governing mindset of the potential Vice President. Running with the oldest man to ever run for a first term as president.