WESTLUND for TREASURER

insert_top-menu

insert_teaser


the Economy	Education	People	the Environment
>> Learn more	>> Learn more	>> Learn more	>> Learn more

INSERT

Meet Ben

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.

The Westlund family in Bend. Left to right: BJ (18), Libby Westlund, Ben, and Taylor (14).

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.

Ben and BJ pose for a quick snapshot at the Barack Obama rally in Portland.

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.