Our choices for state offices

Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010 | 2:06 a.m.

Republican Lt. Gov. Brian Krolicki is running against Democrat Jessica Sferrazza, who has spent the past decade on the Reno City Council. The lieutenant governor heads the state Economic Development and Tourism commissions, serves as president of the state Senate and is first in line to succeed the governor. Sferrazza’s campaign is centered on her work helping to redevelop Reno, and she is a good candidate with no shortage of ideas or energy. But Krolicki has the edge based on his years of experience in state government and his solid track record. Krolicki was elected to his current post four years ago, after two terms as state treasurer. He reorganized the tourism and economic development offices to make them more efficient, and he has worked diligently to bring renewable energy and new business to the state. The Sun endorses Brian Krolicki.

Secretary of State Ross Miller, a Democrat, has made an impressive showing in his first term in office. He has pushed for greater transparency in campaign financing, worked to further smooth the election process and moved to streamline his office. What’s particularly notable is his effort to create a one-stop online portal for businesses. The portal, when fully implemented, will consolidate many interactions that businesses have with government, making things easier for them. Miller has been a good, forward-thinking leader. The Sun endorses Ross Miller.

In Democratic Treasurer Kate Marshall’s first term in office, the treasurer’s office has saved taxpayers millions of dollars by changing the way money is managed and restructuring the debt. She has also found creative ways to stretch the state’s money and has made several smart proposals on how to improve the management of the state’s finances. Her Republican opponent, Steven Martin is a good, likable candidate, but his skills are better suited for controller, where he served under the late Gov. Kenny Guinn. The Sun endorses Kate Marshall.

Controller Kim Wallin, a Democrat, is an impressive candidate. She has been a certified public accountant for three decades and has impeccable credentials — she holds certifications in several areas of auditing and accounting and is well-versed in technology and innovations in the industry. Having worked in the private sector for most of her career, her business savvy has helped save the state money and she has increased state revenue by putting in place a system to collect outstanding debt owed to Nevada. Wallin has great energy and ideas and has done an admirable job. The Sun endorses Kim Wallin.

Democrat Catherine Cortez Masto was elected attorney general four years ago after a long career in public service and quickly got to work. She reorganized the office to make it run more efficiently, and she implemented several new initiatives. Under her leadership, the attorney general’s office has worked to combat the production, trafficking and use of methamphetamine. Cortez Masto has also made senior protection, domestic violence and child advocacy key parts of her administration. And even with budget cuts, her office has worked diligently to investigate mortgage fraud and white-collar criminals. She has had an impressive first term and should be re-elected. The Sun endorses Catherine Cortez Masto.