Hi, my name is Brian Ashe and I'm running for re-election for State Representative in the 2nd Hampden District. I am coming to the end of my first term in the House of Representatives and it has certainly been a learning experience.

I have lived in the district my entire life. I lived in East Longmeadow as a child and moved to the Forest Park section of Springfield when I was 11 years old. There I remained until getting married in 1993 and moving to Longmeadow with my wife Sonja.

While in Longmeadow, I got involved in Town politics and was elected to the Select Board in 2001. Twice I served as the Board's Chair, in 2004 and again in 2007. I also served as the Board's Clerk in 2005 and 2006. During this time, I also served on the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority Board from 2001 until 2008. I was nominated and accepted to represent the larger towns in the Pioneer Valley from 2004 to 2007 on the Metropolitan Planning Board. These experiences all helped me when I successfully ran for and won the seat in the House of Representatives.

For the past 2 years, it has been my honor and privilege to serve the constituents of the 2nd Hampden District. I have been successful because I have served "all" of the people of this district not just one political party or another. I believe that it is essential to vote in the best interest of the district at all times and not just voting party lines.

When I was elected, I was elected to represent everyone and that is what I have done. We need to keep moving forward at this point so we don't jeopardize the progress that we have made. Over the past two years, I listened to the constituents of this district and I will continue to do just that.

On the Election Laws Committee, I voted against filling Senator Kennedy’s seat by appointment. I instead voted to keep this an elected seat by the people. I also voted against Casino Gaming in Palmer as I do not believe that this is the answer to our economic woes. On both of these issues the constituents contacted me and/or my office to let me know that they were vehemently opposed to these bills. Even those both of these bills were supported strongly by the Democratic leadership, including the Speaker of the House, I voted against them and for the people of my district.

This is the type of leadership that is needed in the 2nd Hampden District and this is the type of leadership that you will continue to get with me as your State Representative.

As a father of two, a husband for 17 years, a pet owner, a coach and a home owner since 1993, I understand the needs of our district. We have a 12-year-old son; Tiernan and a 10-year-old daughter; Kyra as well as a dog and a cat. Raising our children as well as coaching them in various sports has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It has also taught me what is important for our quality of life.

I know that keeping people employed is paramount, in our district, state and our country. I am very proud that our Commonwealth is rebounding at a faster rate than most states in our country. We are moving forward and have made many strides but there is still much to do. I am committed to remaining focused on our reforms in all areas of our state and local government.

It has been an honor to serve you as your State Representative for my first term and I ask that you support me so I may continue to serve the good people of the 2nd Hampden District.

Thank you,

State Representative
Brian M. Ashe
2nd Hampden District
State House, Room 540
Boston, MA 02133
413-754-4184