In the race for Minnesota state auditor, voters have two good choices. Rebecca Otto is the incumbent state auditor, and Pat Anderson was the auditor before her.

That’s good. Voters win no matter who they pick.

In fact, four years ago, we endorsed Anderson. However, this time, we endorse Otto.

Otto brings a calm presence to the role, while Anderson comes across as vindictive about losing four years ago. Some candidates say meetings with Editorial Boards are like job interviews. If that is the case, Otto shows up on time and brings a folder and a CD of prepared material explaining why she deserves the job. Anderson shows up late and talks off the top of her head.

Otto does a good job of not approaching her work in a partisan manner. She views her role as an auditor, not a policymaker. Her job is to help local governments find the money to make wise investments and reduce overhead costs.

Moreover, she won the 2009 Excellence in Accountability Award from the National State Auditors Association, primarily for her efforts to reduce energy costs in local governments.

She chairs the Collaborative Governance Council, bringing together city, county, school and township officials to find ways to work together to reduce costs — something this Editorial Board calls for regularly. It is these efforts that will bring cities and counties to shared resources.

Otto has reduced travel expenses for local governments by implementing more online training.

Her office has been free of scandals and has received high marks from local government officials.

But here’s the best reason to vote for Otto: She has increased productivity in the Minnesota State Auditor’s Office despite budget cuts. In an economic downtown, there will be more cases of fraud in local governments to investigate. Minnesota needs someone who can do more with less in these tight economic times.

Vote for Rebecca Otto on Nov. 2.