Westlund racks up endorsements

State Sen. Ben Westlund: Campaign photoThe Oregon State Building and Construction Trades Council announced Wednesday that it will be endorsing State Sen. Ben Westlund (D-Tumalo) for treasurer.

“As a legislator, he offered common-sense solutions to some of our biggest challenges,” said Bob Shiprack of the Council. “As State Treasurer, he will champion investment in our infrastructure to build our economy and create jobs.”

Building and Construction Trade Council represents 21 different construction crafts and over 30,000 of Oregon’s construction workers and contractors.

It is the second endorsement Westlund has received this week. On Monday the Oregon State Police Officers Association announced they also endorse Westlund.

“Our public safety officers are there for us when we need help and Oregon should be there in their time of crisis,” Westlund said. “My first priority will be continuing the wise management of Oregon's resources including the Oregon Public Safety Memorial Fund. I will also push to make it possible for Oregonians to give online tax-deductible donations to support our fallen officers and their families."

As a State Representative, Westlund was the main sponsor behind legislation to create the Public Safety Memorial Fund in 1999, a trust that uses criminal court fees to aid injured or fallen police officers and their families. It was that support and also his problem solving abilities that led to OSPOA to choose Westlund over his Republican rival, Allen Alley (R-Lake Oswego).

“He has demonstrated fiscal responsibility and the ability to find creative solutions that we want in our next State Treasurer,” said Jeff Leighty, President of OSPOA.

The Oregon State Police Officers Association is comprised of over 600 various Oregon law enforcement officials ranging from patrol troopers, to fish & wildlife troopers, to forensic scientists. They are the third public safety group to endorse Westlund; he has also been endorsed by the Oregon State Firefighters Council and the Association of Oregon Corrections Employees.