To The Editor:

I am writing to support the candidacy of Michelle Embree Ku to represent Newtown as the 106th district State Representative.

With all the focus on the national candidates, it may be easy to lose sight of the importance of our local representation in Hartford, but in many ways, they have a more direct impact on our day-to-day lives. For example, consider these two issues: gun violence prevention and reproductive freedom.

Connecticut’s firearms-related death rates are among the lowest in the nation, thanks in large part to the gun safety laws that Connecticut Democrats have passed. Notably, our current State Representative voted against gun safety measures that prohibit domestic violence offenders from purchasing firearms, expand safe storage laws, and permit training requirements. Shouldn’t a representative from Newtown be a leader in gun safety advocacy?

Despite the overturning of Roe, Connecticut residents have maintained access to reproductive health care due to these rights being codified by state law. However, Newtown’s current State Representative voted against HB 5414 — Authorizes Protection for Reproductive Health which further codified that reproductive health care decisions are between a woman and her doctor. Is his vote against protecting reproductive health consistent with your beliefs about reproductive freedom?

Newtown deserves better and that includes representation in Hartford that votes in alignment with constituents in Newtown and does not pander to a far-right base. Michelle Embree Ku is who we need in Hartford. Please join me in voting for Michelle on November 5.

Cheryl Hartgraves

Newtown