1130 NW Harriman St, Bend, OR 97701-1947

             Fax (541) 388-4752 - www.co.deschutes.or.us

Deschutes County Commissioners Choose Ben Westlund as State Senator

In a unanimous vote in the regularly scheduled Wednesday morning Board meeting, Deschutes County Commissioners Dennis Luke, Tom DeWolf and Mike Daly voted to appoint Ben Westlund to the State Senatorial position left open recently by the departure of Bev Clarno.

In the process of voting, the three Commissioners expressed their confidence in Westlund’s knowledge of the State budget and his ability to be effective in the Senate in the immediate future.

Before voting, each Commissioner complimented the three candidates for their experience and work in the community of Deschutes County. Republican Party Chair Gene Whisnant and former Deschutes County Commissioner Linda Swearingen were present at the meeting. State Representative Ben Westlund was in Salem during the vote.

Due to Westlund’s appointment to the State Senate seat, his position of State Representative now becomes vacant. Deschutes County will inform the community of the next steps that will be taken to fill that vacancy.

####