Ben Westlund

Bernard John "Ben" Westlund II was an American politician who served as a member of the Oregon State Senate, representing the 27th district from 2003 to 2008. Initially elected as a Republican, he later became an Independent and ultimately a Democrat. Westlund's political career was marked by his involvement in various legislative initiatives, particularly in budgetary matters and social issues. He also served as the Oregon State Treasurer from 2009 until his death in 2010. His life and career were shaped by his experiences in business, personal challenges, and a commitment to public service.

Early life and career

Ben Westlund was born on September 3, 1949, in Long Beach, California. His family relocated to Oregon during his teenage years, where he completed his high school education at the Oregon Episcopal School in 1967. Following high school, Westlund pursued higher education at Whitman College, earning a bachelor's degree in education and history. He later undertook some graduate studies at the University of Oregon.

In 1974, Westlund moved to Central Oregon, settling near Bend. He engaged in various business ventures, including ranching and agriculture, while also raising a family with his wife, Libby. The couple had two children, a son named B.J. and a daughter named Taylor.

Westlund's early life was not without challenges. In 1982, he faced legal issues related to drunk driving and possession of cocaine. This incident served as a pivotal moment in his life, leading him to reassess his relationship with alcohol and ultimately to stop drinking. Notably, he later served alongside the officer who arrested him, Representative John Minnis, in the Oregon Legislature.

Legislative service

Westlund's political career began in earnest when he was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives in 1996 as a member of the Republican Party. During his tenure in the House, he served four terms and was appointed co-chair of the budget-writing Joint Ways and Means Committee in 2001. His work in this role was significant, particularly during a period of revenue shortfall when he advocated for the establishment of a state sales tax as a potential solution to balance the budget.

In addition to his budgetary work, Westlund co-sponsored legislation that led to the creation of the Oregon Cultural Trust, an initiative aimed at supporting and promoting the arts and culture in the state. His involvement with the Cultural Trust extended to serving on its board until his election as State Treasurer.

In 2003, Westlund was appointed to the Oregon Senate to fill the vacancy left by retiring Senator Bev Clarno. He successfully won election to the Senate seat in 2004, representing District 27, which encompasses much of Deschutes County, including the city of Bend. His election was characterized by gaining the local Democratic nomination and facing minimal opposition in the general election.

During his time in the Senate, Westlund was involved in various legislative efforts, including those related to social issues. In the 2004 election, he endorsed Ballot Measure 36, which sought to ban same-sex marriage in Oregon. However, after discovering that the research supporting the measure was flawed, he publicly expressed regret for his support and subsequently sponsored legislation aimed at allowing civil unions. This initiative faced opposition and was ultimately defeated at that time, although civil union legislation was later passed in 2007 and became law in 2008.

Westlund's stance on reproductive rights was complex. He identified as pro-choice and supported access to the morning-after pill, yet he also backed certain restrictions on abortion during his legislative career. His support included backing bills that proposed a 24-hour waiting period for women seeking abortions and parental notification requirements.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Westlund focused on a variety of policy areas, including budgetary issues, social justice, and public health. His role as co-chair of the Joint Ways and Means Committee positioned him at the center of Oregon's budgetary discussions, where he advocated for fiscal responsibility and innovative solutions to address the state's financial challenges.

Westlund's representation of District 27 allowed him to engage directly with the concerns of his constituents in Central Oregon. The district, which includes the city of Bend, is known for its diverse population and economic activities, ranging from tourism to agriculture. Westlund's background in business and ranching provided him with insights into the needs and priorities of his constituents.

In addition to his legislative work, Westlund's political journey included a notable transition from the Republican Party to becoming an Independent and eventually a Democrat. This shift reflected his evolving views on various issues and his desire to align more closely with the values and priorities of his constituents. In 2006, he briefly entered the race for Governor of Oregon as an Independent but withdrew to avoid potentially splitting the vote.

In 2007, Westlund announced his candidacy for the office of Oregon State Treasurer, a position he won in the Democratic primary and subsequently in the general election held in November 2008. His tenure as State Treasurer began on January 5, 2009, marking a significant milestone in his political career.

Westlund's life was cut short when he was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2003. Despite undergoing treatment, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, he ultimately succumbed to the illness on March 7, 2010, while still in office. His legacy includes his contributions to Oregon's legislative landscape and his commitment to public service, which left a lasting impact on the state and its residents.