LONGMEADOW– Traditionally, Longmeadow and the 2nd Hampden District was a Republican stronghold when it came to its state representative and Allison Werder will be working to return the district to the Republican side of the aisle.

Werder, the former president of MassLive, is challenging state Rep. Brian Ashe.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Werder said to Reminder Publications. “I have a lot to offer.”

This is her first run for office, but Werder explained she was raised by parents who both served in public office and it was part of her upbringing.

She described her politics as being a “Massachusetts Republican.”  Werder explained, “Fiscal responsibility and social responsibility don’t have to be at odds.”

Werder believes that on issues such as the economy, transportation and the impact made on local communities by MGM, the district deserves better.

“I will work harder to get things done for Western Massachusetts,” she added. She readily acknowledged the Western Massachusetts delegation is “outnumbered” in the House and that the legislators must work together to get the needed attention and resources for the region.

“I don’t know if it [the district] is getting that right now,” she said.

She and her family have been living in Longmeadow for the past five years and she served as the president of MassLive from 2013 to 2017.  She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from Georgetown University.

Werder said that she discovered she enjoyed both sides of the communications business – content and finances.

If elected she wants to work to ensure that tax money sent to the Commonwealth by MGM Springfield is sent back to communities in the district,

“We should be first in line for that tax revenue,” she said.

She is also a strong proponent for investigating the potential of east-west passenger rail. “It’s hard to say it’s a good idea until we know the cost,” she explained.

She is devoting her full time and energy to the race, but she is remaining active in a number of organizations. She currently serves as a trustee of Western New England University, a board member of Valley Venture Mentors, a board member of the Center for Human Development and the chair of the Homefield committee to support local businesses for the Western Mass Economic Development Council. She’s also a founding member of Women Innovators and Trailblazers (WIT) a newly formed mentoring group and Angel Fund focused on supporting female-led start-ups in the region.

Werder said she realizes that in this race she is the “underdog” and acknowledged the fundraising and organizational skills of the Longmeadow Democratic Town Committee. “I have a lot of respect for Candy Glazer [the chair of the committee],” she said.

She believes that residents in the district will “vote for the person” as opposed to following party lines.

“Longmeadow is open-minded and wants the best for the community,” she said.

Werder will be hosting a kick-off campaign event Feb. 1 at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow from 6 to 8 p.m. with a suggested donation of $25. For more information about her campaign, visit www.WerderForRep.com.