To The Editor:

I want to take the opportunity to introduce myself to those who may want to know more about who is running for the House of Representatives 106th, representing Newtown.

My husband (Warren) and I have three sons, all graduates of Newtown Public Schools. Jared attends the University of Connecticut, Myles attends Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and my oldest son, Jet, lives in Colorado where he works for the NHL. My mother, Lea Embree, lives nearby in Southbury.

I am running because I want Newtown to have an effective voice in the majority in Hartford, where policy and funding allocation conversations begin. I have over a decade of public service both locally and on state commissions, and my years of advocacy in Hartford — for education funding, gun violence prevention, food allergy policy, school resource officers, and safer air quality in school buildings — have given me the opportunity to develop relationships that will help me work with others to craft legislation in Newtown’s best interest.

In the last six months, in visiting people at their front door, it hasn’t surprised me to find that the most pressing issue is the cost of living. Whether it’s healthcare, childcare, utilities, or repairing damages from catastrophic weather events, my focus will be on building long-term solutions to reducing prescription drug prices and healthcare insurance costs, expanding access to childcare and pre-kindergarten programs, encouraging development of clean energy resources, and holding PURA accountable for the cost of our utilities.

I believe I have the skills to address these challenges. I have held multiple positions, both elected and appointed, in Newtown and on state commissions, giving me a breadth and depth of experience. Furthermore, my science credentials and background align with my goals of creating solutions for Newtown.

My current work as a scientist in regulatory submissions for pharmaceuticals allows me to engage in a strong area of interest — public health. My background includes a PhD in biology from Brown University where I researched reproductive toxicology and taught as an adjunct professor about the environmental effects on human health. I also worked at Rhode Island Hospital researching under a fellowship. And during my tenure on Newtown’s Board of Education, I co-chaired a state legislative task force concerning life-threatening food allergies in schools and was a member of the Governor’s regional advisory team regarding the return to school during the COVID pandemic.

Above all else, I believe it is important that elected officials have a moral compass. When officials are guided by their values, voters can rely on them and they are better equipped to engage in good-faith conversations, even when opinions differ. When diverse perspectives can be heard and respected, it leads to collaborative solutions that truly address the needs of our community. In the reality of being a legislator, I know there are trade-offs to consider when working towards these solutions but voters can rely on me to be guided steadfastly by my core values. I would be honored to have your support on November 5.

Michelle Embree Ku

Newtown