To The Editor:

This letter is in support of Michelle Embree Ku, who is running for the CT 106th State Representative seat. I currently serve on the Legislative Council in District 3, in Newtown. These opinions are my own.

I met Michelle when I first moved to Newtown in February 2022 and volunteered to help fellow democrats run for local office. Michelle was serving in the 3rd District as a Legislative Council Member and I was impressed by her calm, professional, thoughtful demeanor. I was so impressed by her that when I discovered she was running for the Board of Selectmen, it was easy to say yes when she suggested that I run for her Legislative Council seat. How lucky Newtown would be to have her on the Board of Selectmen, and I was honored to 2nd her nomination to run for State Representative in the 106th.

Michelle’s volunteer and public service background is to be admired. There’s no wonder why she’s so well liked and respected. Michelle and her family have lived in Newtown for over 15 years to which she’s served Newtown in many roles for more than two-thirds of it. When Michelle was elected to the Board of Education, she served as the Chairperson. Next up was the Legislative Council in the 3rd District, and she currently serves on the Board of Selectmen. Michelle knows how the legislative process works and is committed to solving our problems with bipartisan collaboration, something sorely needed in these divisive times.

Michelle got involved in the prevention of gun violence, as many of us have, after the events of 12/14/12, and chaired the Connecticut Legislative’s Task Force on Life Threatening Food Allergies. In addition, she was a member of the Governor’s Regional Advisory Team to help transition students safely to the classroom after the COVID epidemic.

Michelle will advocate for a health care system that works for all of us. One that provides for family planning, a better insurance marketplace, quality hospitals, and addresses the threat of gun violence. She will fight for education — better air quality in our schools, and funding for special education.

As an education advocate, Michelle has been involved in the district’s modification of school start times, heating and ventilation issues, and school safety and security. As a parent, grandparent and teacher, Michelle’s steadfast intellect and professionalism give me the reassurance that she will absolutely be the right person representing us in the 106th. Michelle is a leader and a team player. We need both. We need Michelle in Hartford.

Please join me to vote for Michelle Embree Ku on November 5.

Heather Dean

Newtown