Managing the taxpayer’s money is a job that demands a high level of performance. The state Treasurer’s Office has delivered.

That’s why Mike Murphy deserves re-election to a second four-year term.

Murphy, a Democrat, came into the job well prepared by earlier stints in the office and as Thurston County’s treasurer. He and his department have provided excellent service to taxpayers.

His main opposition comes from Republican Diane Rhoades. She is a certified public account and a member of the Orting School Board.

Rhoades says she would be more active in educating the public about how their tax moneys are spent. She stresses her public accounting background and says that, as manager of the office, she would enforce high standards for employee performance. She deserves credit for offering voters a viable choice. As she remarks, "This is the American way, isn’t it?"

Murphy, however, has proven that he can lead the office effectively. His long background in public service is an asset, especially since he appears to have retained both enthusiasm and focus.

During his first term, Murphy played a role in helping the state achieve an improved rating on the bonds it sells. That allows taxpayers to save money through reduced payments of interest to investors. Acting on a question from a school superintendent, he also worked with legislators on a plan to have the state use its credit rating to win lower interest rates for school districts’ construction bonds. Voters ultimately approved the plan as an amendment to the state’s constitution last year.

With his county treasurer experience, Murphy appears to have able to work well with local governments around the state to make their own financial practices as efficient as possible. He has earned endorsements from 28 of the 39 county treasurers, including Island County Republican Maxine Sauter.

Murphy has campaigned on integrity, customer service and working smarter. He appears to have lived up to all those themes in his first term. In an office that handles billions of taxpayer dollars, Murphy’s proven record is something for voters to take to the ballot box with confidence.