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.
