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Governor Kitzhaber Endorses Westlund for Treasurer

PORTLAND, Ore. (October 17, 2008) - Oregon Senator and Democratic and Independent nominee Ben Westlund (D-Bend) has received the support of Governor John Kitzhaber in his bid for State Treasurer.  The endorsement is meaningful because of Governor Kitzhaber's continuing popularity and is included in Westlund's voter pamphlet statement

"Ben Westlund can help us do more to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and reduce energy costs.  That’s why he has supported investments in new energy sources, like wind, wave and solar, and in conservation,” said Kitzhaber.

Westlund is proposing a comprehensive plan to promote renewable energy and conservation strategies for Oregon called the Cascade Initiative to reduce energy costs.  He also believes Oregon is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the emerging innovation economy.  With the right investments, Oregon can position itself to create jobs and promote sustainable energy development that can lower our energy costs.

“Working on our energy future provides a roadmap to unite people in a common goal,” said Westlund.  “This will build public confidence, despite the economic turmoil the our markets are in now.  We can emerge from our current situation stronger, more prosperous, and in possession of a cleaner environment for future generations."

In the legislature, Westlund helped pass the Renewable Energy Tax Credit Expansion which allowed the Oregon Department of Energy to more effectively use the energy tax credits as incentives for businesses looking to bring jobs to Oregon.   Westlund also address state agency energy use requiring agencies to reduce their consumption of energy by 20% by 2015, saving energy and tax dollars.

OSEA Endorses Westlund in Bid for State Treasurer

SALEM, Ore. (July 30, 2008) – Oregon Senator and Democratic nominee Ben Westlund (D-Bend) has received the support of the Oregon School Employees Association’s (OSEA) 21,000 members in his bid for Oregon State Treasurer.  The endorsement is among several Westlund has received from education groups including the Oregon Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers.  To date, over twenty organizations have endorsed Westlund.  A complete list can be found on his website at www.benwestlund.com.

“Senator Westlund has been on the front lines for education” said Ed Edwards of OSEA.  “His commitment to improving education and to the working men and women of Oregon has won our respect and our support.”

Westlund served as co-chair during some of Oregon’s most difficult financial times and protected the education budget in the face of drastic cuts. 

“Improving education is the key to Oregon’s future innovation economy and I strongly support the people who provide essential services to our students, the way OSEA does,” said Westlund.

A former successful business owner, Ben now works with 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.

Building and Construction Trades Endorse Westlund for State Treasurer

Infrastructure Investment a Top Priority

SALEM, Ore. (July 23, 2008) – Oregon Senator and Democratic nominee for State Treasurer Ben Westlund (D-Bend) has received the support of the Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council.  The Council is comprised of 31 separate organizations representing 30,000 Oregonians.

“Ben Westlund is the best choice for State Treasurer,” said Bob Shiprack of the Council.  “As a legislator, he offered common-sense solutions to some of our biggest challenges.  As State Treasurer, he will champion investment in our infrastructure to build our economy and create jobs.”

Westlund has said that the State Treasurer can do more to improve Oregon’s infrastructure.

“As a Senator, I supported legislation to retrofit public buildings to save energy and money and to invest in our transportation network to improve traffic flow and help our economy,” said Westlund.  “As State Treasurer, I will champion infrastructure projects that increase our productivity and make smart use of our resources including environmentally sound water-supply and conservation, transportation, and energy transmission and conservation efforts.”

Oregon State Police Officers Association Endorses Westlund for State Treasurer

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.

Westlund Named to National Democratic Convention

Obama Campaign asks Westlund to serve on the Convention’s Rules Committee

BEND, OR — State Senator and Candidate for Oregon Treasurer Ben Westlund (D-Tumalo) will be attending the Democratic National Convention in Denver as a member of the convention’s rules committee.

Oregon Democratic Party Chairwoman Meredith Wood Smith told Westlund last week the campaign of the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. Barack Obama, requested he have one of the state’s two seats on the committee.

“The nomination of Barack Obama is a historic event,” said Westlund.  “It is an honor to participate in helping nominating our next President.”

The Democratic Convention Rules Committee recommends the procedural rules of the Convention, the agenda, the officers of the Convention and other matters not covered by the other committees. Its recommendations are presented in a report voted on during the first session of the Convention. The presidential candidates appoint 161 people to seats on three standing committees at the convention.

It is the nominating convention where Senator Barack Obama will officially become the 2008 Democratic Nominee for U.S. President. The Democratic National Convention will be held in Denver August 25 to August 28.