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BEN WESTLUND has been an
entrepreneur and business owner, an Oregon legislator and an
advocate for responsible state budgeting, lowering health care
costs, and investing in education and cultural opportunities.
In 1974, Ben moved to
Central Oregon and co-founded an innovative company, American
Fossil, that made non- toxic, safe substances from the crushed
fossils of marine life, known as “diatomaceous earth” that was
commonly used in a variety of consumer and industrial
applications.
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After selling American Fossil to a national company, Ben used his skills
to create an international animal husbandry business selling bovine
genetics. He retired in 1994 at the age of 46 and wanted to give back.
After two decades of building
successful businesses, Ben was considering becoming a nurse when
a friend suggested he run for the Legislature. Ben was elected
to the Oregon House of Representatives in 1997. He quickly
earned respect for his grasp of issues and for his ability to
work across the political spectrum.
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The Westlund
family in Bend. Left to right:
Taylor, Ben,
Libby, and BJ.
Click to view more pictures on
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Ben has spent the last decade
working to make Oregon a better place. A champion for lowering
healthcare costs and improving quality to increase access, Ben
sponsored the Healthy Oregon Act. An advocate for renewable
energy and clean technology, Ben supported legislation to make
Oregon a leader. Ben was the architect, and
now serves on the board, of the Oregon Cultural Trust, an
innovative public private partnership designed to expand
Oregon’s economy through investment in the Arts. |
And he's a former co-chair of the
budget process who provided sound judgment for Oregon through some our
most challenging economic times.
In 1982, Ben grappled with drug and
alcohol addiction. After a successful recovery, Ben has worked to
expand treatment and early-intervention programs for all Oregonians.
Click here to
learn more about Ben's recovery and subsequent work.
Senator Westlund's
Senate Office Website
Biography in PDF format |
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