A teacher and community activist, Ben was re-elected to a second term in the Oregon House in November, 2008. He is chair of the Environment and Water Committee.
Ben and his family moved to Oregon when he was five, settling at the foot of Mt. Tabor in SE Portland. After attending West Linn High School and Washington University, Ben received a Rhodes Scholarship in recognition of his service, scholarship, and leadership. At Oxford University, England, he conducted research on US and international education policy while receiving degrees in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) and Comparative and International Education.
Ben returned to Portland to be an educator, and when the legislature is not in session he teaches Humanities to middle school students at the Arbor School of Arts and Sciences. His wife, Liz, teaches English for Language Learners (ELL) at Gresham High School.
As a volunteer and co-chair of the Board of Directors of the Oregon Bus Project, Ben has traveled to districts around the state, educating voters about state government and supporting progressive candidates for the Legislature. He also served for more than two years on a research committee of the City Club of Portland studying early childhood education.
In June, 2007, Ben and Liz welcomed their first daughter, Evelyn, to the family. Avid outdoors enthusiasts, Ben, Liz, and Evelyn love to hike, camp, and travel.
