World-Herald editorial: Yes to Fulton and Stenberg

Nebraska's GOP primary and general elections for state treasurer take place under an odd circumstance this year.

In November, Nebraska voters will decide on a ballot measure that would abolish the Treasurer's Office by January 2015. If voters say “yes” to that proposal, the winner of the general election for treasurer will preside over a four-year transition toward elimination of the office he supervises and directs.

The Treasurer's Office is the conduit for most of the funds coming into state government. When Nebraskans choose a state treasurer, they are electing someone to oversee that financial processing. Among the treasurer's other duties: Returning unclaimed property. Overseeing the college savings program. Handling child support collections and disbursements.

Incumbent Treasurer Shane Osborn is not seeking re-election. The candidate field consists of three Republicans (who are competing in the party primary on Tuesday) and a Democrat.

Among the Republicans in the primary, our view is that voters would be best served by selecting either of two contenders: Tony Fulton, a state senator from Lincoln; or Don Stenberg, a former state attorney general.

In an interview at The World-Herald, Fulton was articulate and forceful in talking about his background as state lawmaker and small-business owner and about the operations of the Treasurer's Office.

Fulton, a mechanical engineer and number-cruncher, pointed to his service on the Legislature's Appropriations Committee, which has focused closely on fiscal restraint. Strict accountability and transparency to the public are among the central obligations of the Treasurer's Office, he stressed.

When asked about the proposal to abolish the treasurer's post, Fulton offered a strong analysis of what voters should consider. Nebraskans should be wary of exuberant claims of cost savings, he said.

Stenberg has deep experience in Nebraska state government and has demonstrated his sure-handedness as a manager. During his 12 years as state attorney general, he showed that he could manage his department efficiently, operating energetically on the third-smallest operating budget among the 50 state attorneys general.

Stenberg, who holds a law degree as well as an MBA from Harvard, ably analyzes key administrative aspects of the State Treasurer's Office. He rightly emphasizes ways to ensure that customers' needs are handled professionally and courteously.

Stenberg demonstrates a keen mind and professional competence. There seems little doubt that he could step into the treasurer's role and handle the duties with the needed steadiness.

In the Republican primary for state treasurer, voters would be best served by supporting either Tony Fulton or Don Stenberg.

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