Candidate Profile: Michelle Embree Ku​, Newtown Board of Selectmen

NEWTOWN, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Newtown and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Newtown Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Regulatory submissions scientist Michelle Embree Ku, 56, is running for election to the Newtown Board of Selectmen as a Democrat.

Education.

PhD from Brown University in Biology

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My husband, Warren, and I have three boys, ages 23, 21, and 18, and my mother lives nearby in Southbury.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

I have served in Newtown public office for the last 13 years, beginning in 2011 as a Charter Revision Commissioner. In 2013, I was elected to the Board of Education and served for 8 years (chairing the Board for 4 years). The last two years, I have served on the Legislative Council.

I also co-chaired a Task Force created by the Connecticut State Legislature, served on a Regional Advisory Team to the Governor on the return to school during COVID, and have chaired other state or regional boards related to education.

Why are you seeking this office?

I want to be part of the successes of this town. Dan Cruson, who is running for First Selectman, the other Democratic candidates, and I have a lot to contribute. By addressing concerns and supporting the qualities that make Newtown unique – the historic districts, the outdoor spaces, the excellent public education, the opportunities at Fairfield Hills, and economic development that complements the community – Newtown will thrive.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is the national political divide. It threatens to disrupt everything, from how our local elected officials work together to how residents – adults and children alike - experience the community and schools. It is our job, as elected officials, above all else, to follow democratic principles, listen to others, and work, regardless of political party, to focus on what is best for Newtown. As government officials, the more we allow national issues to dominate meetings, the less time we spend on the issues that matter to us locally.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The four years that I chaired the Board of Education gave me experience in leading the Board and school community through many significant changes – educational upheaval during COVID, a change in school start times, and hiring a new superintendent. This experience has been invaluable preparation for building bridges (both physical and emotional) as a Selectperson.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Dan Cruson and I are committed to maintaining and improving infrastructure in fiscally responsible ways. By supporting the schools, the security of residents, our streets, and smart development, we set the foundation for the success of our community.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Chairing the Board of Education gave me the opportunity to navigate challenging work – legal matters, budgets, contract negotiations, policy, and probably most importantly, relationships. While I was on the Board of Education, we brought the Hawley HVAC project to fruition after it languished for decades, proposed reasonable budgets that were supported by the community, opened a new school, changed to healthier school start times, set up a model security plan, established an education savings account, navigated a pandemic, hired two new superintendents, and adopted a diversity, equity and inclusion resolution that served as a model for other districts around the state. But none of these accomplishments were the work of one person. They happened with the cooperation of many people, which is what highlights to me the importance of cultivating civil discourse and relationships.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be curious – not judgemental.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I appreciate the past support of voters and am committed to continuing to work hard for all of our residents.