Eleni Kounalakis’ considerable diplomatic skills could make the state treasurer’s office more effective and efficient, the editorial board says. 

Being California state treasurer isn’t a sexy job. Few politicians’ eyes light up at the idea of leading the state’s Debt Limit Allocation Committee — just one of the dozens of committees and boards on which the treasurer plays a key role. 

Yet the treasurer is the main banker, financier and asset manager for the world’s fourth-largest economy — an immense responsibility.

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The job involves financing public works projects — such as schools, parks and transportation infrastructure — and awarding funds for affordable housing and student loans. The treasurer also serves on the boards of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System and the California State Teachers’ Retirement System — two of the world’s largest pension funds that together manage nearly $1 trillion in assets.

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The Chronicle editorial board has begun rolling out its endorsements for California’s June primary election. In the weeks to come, we will publish our assessments of all the state races, including the governor’s race, plus local races and ballot measures. To read more about how the editorial board makes its election endorsements, go here.Plus: Look out for the Chronicle’s Voter Guide to publish in early May, as ballots get mailed out across the Bay Area.

Being treasurer obviously demands a leader who is fiscally savvy and detail-oriented. But collaborative skills are also........

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