Ben Westlund, born in 1949, moved to Oregon as a teenager and
finished high school in Oregon. He graduated from Whitman
College with a BA in education and history and continued his
graduate studies at the University of Oregon. In 1974, he moved
to Central Oregon and founded an innovative company that made
non toxic, safe substances from the crushed fossils of marine
life.
The product is used extensively in farming and in the care of
animals. After selling that successful business, Ben went into
cattle-breeding, the proud owner of a prize winning bull,
Reggie.
In
1996 when considering a career change to nursing, a friend
suggested Ben run for the legislature. Concerned that a troubled
past would be a mark against him, Ben went public with the story
of his addiction, arrest and recovery. A tireless campaigner who
connected well with people, Ben was elected to the Oregon House
of Representatives where he quickly earned respect for his grasp
of issues and for his ability to work with people across the
political spectrum.
In 1999, Westlund passed “The Fallen Officers” bill that makes
convicted criminals and others that put officers at risk,
financially assist families of public safety officers killed and
critically injured in the line of duty.
In 2001 he was named
co-chair of the budget-writing Joint Ways and Means Committee.
Sets aside additional court
penalties to provide benefits and assistance to families
of public safety officers killed in the line of duty.
Funded at no expense to taxpayers, the Memorial Fund
provides immediate assistance as well as help with
longer-term costs.
Oregon Cultural Trust
HB 2923 (2001)
Ben established a tax
credit for direct contributions to the Oregon Trust for
Cultural Development, a long term public/private funding
initiative designed to preserve and strengthen culture.
OSU Cascades
(2001)
Ben spearheaded the effort
to create and fund a brand new campus of OSU in Bend.
Medical Assistance Program
HB 3624 (2003)
Ben co-authored HB 3624,
reforming the Oregon Health Plan. The reforms
helped to save the Oregon Health Plan by finding
efficiencies within the system and recovering millions
of dollars.
Solar Tax Credits
SB
31 (2005)
As a proponent of
alternative energy, Ben was instrumental in expanding
the solar energy tax credit during the 2005 session.
The bill passed with overwhelming support.
"He's
not in anybody's pocket. I really admire him for having the
courage to stand up for what he believes." Gert Boyle,
Chair, Columbia Sportswear
"Today,
Oregon needs strong leadership. As the parent of a student that
attends public schools, I believe Ben will be a champion for the
students and their future." Elizabeth Blackney,
Bend
"He
is determined to make this place we call Oregon a better place,
for all Oregonians." Ernest Bloch,
Portland
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