WESTLUND for TREASURER

insert_top-menu

insert_teaser



Jobs and the Eocnomy	Lower energy costs	Make health care affordable	Quality education	Fiscal responsibility

INSERT

Issues: The Cascade Initiative

Ben Westlund takes very seriously the fiduciary duty of the State Treasurer’s office to maximize returns and reduce risks associated with state pension investments. More importantly, he has a vision for how the State Treasurer can fulfill that responsibility and a plan to promote sustainable economic development in Oregon and the region.

“Oregon is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the emerging innovation economy,” said Ben. “With the right investments, Oregon can position itself as a national leader to create jobs and promote a sustainable economy.”

With Westlund’s leadership in the public policy arena, Oregon can become the national leader in helping next-generation clean technology businesses and industries expand and grow through prudent public investment strategies:

		Discovering and Reporting Risk Ben Westlund will further the work begun by Treasurer Edwards and other State Treasurers who are calling on the Securities and Exchange Commission to require disclosure of climate change-related risks from publicly-traded companies. Companies that conceal financial risks related to climate change endanger our state’s portfolio and run the risk of fueling the next fiscal crisis.

		Educating Oregonians on the Financial Impacts of Climate Change Ben Westlund will increase recognition among capital investors, entrepreneurs, educators, politicians and consumers about the importance of clean technologies and industries to Oregon’s future economic competitiveness and quality of life.

		Promote Investments in Renewable Energies Ben Westlund will maximize the state’s investment returns in clean tech businesses and industries and minimize carbon-related risk in the state’s portfolio.

		Champion Public Infrastructure Investments Westlund will champion infrastructure improvements to improve Oregon’s economic productivity and create jobs, including transportation, water-supply and conservation projects, energy transmission projects, and conservation efforts in public and private buildings.

"Expanding market opportunities and raising awareness of investor risk is a critical role of the State Treasurer. Ben Westlund’s leadership on climate change and making critical investments in the green economy will greatly benefit Oregon.”

- Randall Edwards, Oregon State Treasurer

Release: Westlund asks Oregonians to declare our energy independence (7/1/2008)