"Since the
beginning of his political career, Ben has been a champion of issues
important to fire fighters."
- Bob Livingston, Oregon State Fire Fighter Council
The fundamental purpose of state government is to keep its citizens safe
and secure, so Ben has spent
his career working with Oregon's fire fighters and police officers to
ensure that they have the resources they need to protect Oregon's
families.
Every
session, schools, human services and public safety compete for a bigger
slice of the pie. In recent days, the partisan games continued over
increased funding for the Oregon State Police. The major party
candidates sparred over the issue, but neither offered a real solution.
Oregon State Police
Funding
According to the Oregon State Police, the number of State Police patrols
on Oregon’s highways has decreased by nearly half since 1979 despite the
fact that the number of registered vehicles has increased significantly.
Additionally, State Troopers since 9/11 face a host of new security
challenges and must be specially trained and equipped to meet new
emerging threats.
Ben Westlund supports increasing
and stabilizing OSP funding by increasing DMV fees. Growth can
pay its own way.
Read the summary of Ben's plan
“Every time a politician promises to
deliver a new program or increase funding to solve a problem they should
be forced to answer how they will pay for it. My plan clearly
shows how we would pay to double trooper strength statewide without
diverting one cent from priorities such as education and healthcare.”
Association of Oregon
Corrections Employees
On July 14, the
Association of Oregon Corrections Employees (AOCE) announced
their endorsement of Ben Westlund for Governor for the 2006 General
Election, saying:
"Ben can see the
direction Oregon needs to take in protecting public safety needs."
-Bryan Goodman,
AOCE President
Providing a
vibrant, stable and well-funded force of public safety workers is the
best way to fight fires, curb crime, and create safe communities.
Other
Accomplishments
Public
Safety Memorial Fund
Ben
sponsored and passed HB 2391 in 1999. The bill set 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.
Police and Fire Workplace Safety
In 2005,
Ben was the deciding vote in passing SB 321 through the senate.
The bill provided for additional workplace safety measures for police
officers and fire fighters. While police and fire fighters keep the community safe, the community
must share the responsibility to keep them safe.
Early intervention programs help prevent crime. Ben believes it is
better to prevent crime than punish it.
Oregon Youth Challenge Program
Every
session, Ben champions funding for the OYCP, a program led by the Oregon
National Guard. The program targets "at risk" youth and acts as an
alternative public high school. With a stellar program-to-career
rate, the OYCP puts at risk youth on the track to successful and
productive lives.
Learn more about OYCP
Watch Ben's address to the 2005
graduates of the Oregon Youth Challenge Program.
Windows Media (12.8
MB)
Treatment
Programs
In 1982, Ben
had a
very close experience
with local law enforcement which taught him the importance of early
intervention treatment programs.
"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
(838 kb)