Newtown Election: Michelle Embree Ku For Legislative Council

NEWTOWN, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Newtown will be on the ballot.

To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 2, Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town.

Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next several days, so check back often to see the latest.

Occupation: Volunteer

Family: My husband, Warren, and I have three boys ages 15, 18 and 21.

Experience: Newtown Board of Education and 2013-2021

Family in government: No

The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it:

Infrastructure. Newtown is in a good financial position, thanks to responsible leadership. Our obligation must be to maintain this position while investing in infrastructure that will benefit Newtown residents over the long term, with public safety and health being top priorities. Newtown has made great progress in committing to a sustainable road re-paving schedule. We need to ensure that our roads continue to support the increasing traffic in town. This past year has also highlighted the need to commit to a plan to address the school building ventilation. And the investment that we made as a community in Fairfield Hills will continue require planning such that residents can enjoy the many outdoor activities this land provides as well as community spaces. These commitments require long term planning, fiscally responsible decisions, and and a commitment to improving infrastructure.

Critical differences between me and my opponents:

Having served on a previous Charter Revision Commission and eight years on the Board of Education (the last four as Chair), being both a scientist and a parent, and I truly believe I can help our town government face challenges by critically evaluating each one and working with others to land on meaningful solutions.

Accomplishments:

Having been on the Board of Education for eight years and serving as Chairperson, I am very familiar with meeting challenges. During my time on the Board of education, we have mourned and managed the repercussions of a tragedy, built and reopened a new school, changed school start times to address teen health, invested in supports and pathways for unique student needs, and managed an entirely new educational model in the face of a worldwide pandemic.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am humbled by the years Newtown has allowed me to serve our town and I would be honored to have your support again on November 2.