Orrall for treasurer

It is hard to imagine a person more suited to the varied and complex role of state Treasurer than Lakeville Rep. Keiko Orrall, the Republican challenger in the race.

The office manages diverse departments from the State Lottery to the School Building Authority to the Asian American Commission to the Veterans’ Bonus Division to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission. The role deserves to be filled by a dynamic leader who thoroughly understands the broad impact her work has on small businesses, municipalities, families and taxpayers, and will fight for their interests every day.

Rep. Keiko Orrall fits that bill. The daughter of two public school teachers and a former public school teacher herself, Orrall got involved in government to bring the voice of everyday working people to Beacon Hill.

In 2011, she became the first Asian-American woman elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives and has proven herself to be a leader in bipartisan common sense, fiscal discipline and sound, thoughtful political judgment.

Orrall has proven to be a strong ally to small business during her time in the Legislature. As a member of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce for four terms, she has spoken out against increased health care costs, a proposed high-tech tax, and expressed concerns about the minimum wage increase and paid leave legislation. She has proposed legislation for regulations to be accessible and online.

Of course, the treasurer must be a careful guardian of taxpayer dollars, working collaboratively with the governor to ensure administrative departments abide by the norms of transparent, accountable and effective government. Recent Herald reporting on spending at the Massachusetts Cultural Council - over which the treasurer has oversight - makes it clear that the state needs a watchdog bold enough to speak out.

In the near future, the office will soon face a monumental new challenge as more online gambling options threaten vital lottery dollars for cities and towns across the state. Massachusetts needs a treasurer who is up to the task.

The Herald endorses Keiko

Orrall for treasurer.