Every four years, Washington voters are asked to pick candidates for administrative positions that get precious little publicity.
The fact that these offices aren’t in the news much offers some testimony that they’re being run well. After interviewing the incumbents running for re-election, we’ve concluded as much.
We believe voters should re-elect Sam Reed as secretary of state, Mike Kreidler as insurance commissioner, Brian Sonntag as auditor, Mike Murphy as treasurer and Brad Owen as lieutenant governor. Previously, we endorsed the re-election of Terry Bergeson as superintendent of public instruction and Doug Sutherland as commissioner of public lands.
Secretary of state: Reed, a Republican, has done a superb job in his first term as the state’s top elections officer. He took an active role supporting a primary system that preserved cross-over voting, a 70-year tradition in Washington. He knew that voters overwhelmingly favored keeping that choice, and lobbied the Legislature to institute such a plan. It did, but Gov. Gary Locke vetoed it, putting in place a primary that restricts voters to one party’s ballot in partisan races.
Reed proceeded to promote the new primary loudly and effectively, working with county elections officials to ensure a strong public education effort. The result was a higher-than-expected turnout, despite wide public opposition to the new ballot.
He also worked hard to save the state library from elimination, earning the gratitude of librarians here and elsewhere who depend on its resources.
Reed is challenged by Democrat state Rep. Laura Ruderman, an impressive candidate with a passion for civic involvement who appears to have a bright future in state politics. She could serve ably, but we’ll go with Reed’s proven ability.
Insurance commissioner: Kreidler, a former member of Congress and an optometrist, has made positive changes in his first term. He has protected consumers against unnecessary rate increases while improving the business landscape for carriers by streamlining regulations and re-establishing the office’s national accreditation. He’s a problem-solver who will push for effective compromises on divisive issues like medical malpractice insurance reform.
He is opposed by Republican John Adams, a knowledgable and capable insurance-company executive. Adams clearly knows the business, but doesn’t make an compelling case for replacing Kreidler.
Auditor: Sonntag, a Democrat, is respected widely by legislators in both parties. He is a strong proponent of performance audits to ensure state agencies are effectively delivering services as intended, and will continue to push for them. His own office is run efficiently and effectively, and ensures that local governments, from cities to sewer districts, are accountable to taxpayers. He also is one of state government’s leading defenders of open government.
Treasurer: Murphy is running for a third term, which he says will be his last. As the state’s chief fiscal officer, the treasurer works as a banker, investment officer and cash manager. The highly knowledgable Murphy provides invaluable help to cities, school districts and other government bodies by navigating the financial markets for them when they need to sell bonds and getting the most favorable rates, as well as offering easy-to-understand financial advice.
Lieutenant governor: The energetic Owen has taken an office whose chief constitutional function is to preside over the Senate and given it a useful ambassadorial and advocacy role. He is running for a third term, having also served in the Legislature for 20 years. He represents the state’s interests to domestic and international visitors, and has become a leading force on economic development. He is a leader on kids’ issues, from fighting drug use and bullying to securing free gun locks to help keep children safe.
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