The office of Colorado state treasurer is best known for two things: its involvement with the state’s Public Employee Retirement Association and as a stepping stone to higher office. To Walker Stapleton’s credit he has (so far at least) focused on the former.

He deserves to be re-elected.

Stapleton, a Republican, is opposed by Democrat Betsy Markey. She is a smart, educated woman with top-notch experience in both business and government, including having represented Colorado’s 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House.

Markey would doubtless be a good treasurer. Her problem is she cannot point to what is wrong with the one we have.

Walker Stapleton has overseen positive gains in Colorado’s investment portfolio every quarter he has served. He saved money by consolidating the state’s debt issuing process in the Treasurer’s office. He has consistently advocated a fiscally conservative approach to managing PERA, helping to ensure the plan’s viability.

Stapleton has also pushed for greater transparency from PERA, which has denied him data he says will help him in his job. That PERA would refuse him data about the pension plan reinforces the idea that he is on the right track.

Vote for Walker Stapleton.