SALEM, Ore. (July 21, 2008) – In a process that included an officer ride-along and that considered both candidates, Oregon Senator and Democratic nominee for State Treasurer Ben Westlund (D-Bend) has received the support of the Oregon State Police Officers’ Association (OSPOA).
"Ben Westlund has a strong record of supporting Oregon's public safety,” said Jeff Leighty, President of OSPOA. “He has demonstrated fiscal responsibility and the ability to find creative solutions that we want in our next State Treasurer."
Westlund has a history of supporting public safety officers. In 1999, he sponsored legislation that created the Oregon Public Safety Memorial Fund. Funded by criminal court fees, it has distributed over $1 million dollars in aid to help 48 fallen and permanently injured public safety officers or their families. The fund has been well-managed by State Treasurer Edwards, maintaining a positive balance for nearly a decade without the use of public tax dollars.
“Our public safety officers are there for us when we need help and Oregon should be there in their time of crisis,” said Westlund. “As Oregon’s next State Treasurer, my first priority will be continuing the wise management of Oregon's resources including the Oregon Public Safety Memorial Fund. I will also push to make it possible for Oregonians to give online tax-deductible donations to support our fallen officers and their families."
The Oregon State Police Officers’ Association (OSPOA) is an independent labor association with approximately 600 members that consists of patrol troopers, detectives, fish & wildlife troopers, telecommunicators, forensic scientists, criminalists, latent print examiners, questioned document examiners, radio technicians, and trade maintenance workers. Formed in 1984, its goals include promoting the professional interests of its members, fostering the highest standards of professionalism among its members, improving law enforcement methods, increasing the awareness of public safety issues, and advocating legislation that enhances public safety and law enforcement.
In addition to OSPOA, Westlund has been endorsed by over 20 organizations including: Oregon Nurses Association, Oregon State Fire Fighters Association, SEIU, Oregon AFL-CIO, AFSCME, and Association of Oregon Corrections Employees. Endorsements from other organizations and community leaders are listed on Westlund’s website at www.benwestlund.com.
Ben has served Central Oregon as a legislator for the past ten years. Before that he was a successful business owner and entrepreneur. He currently consults for Northwest Professional Management to develop effective, affordable health care delivery systems. He and his wife Libby, who serves on the Mount Bachelor National Ski Patrol, have two children: a son B.J. (20) and a daughter Taylor (15). They live in Tumalo, just outside Bend.
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