To the Editor:

As we enter the final days of the 2021 election season, I wanted to write as a town resident to share my support of two candidates, Michelle Embree Ku for Legislative Council and Jennifer Padilla for Board of Education. Both candidates are logical, data-driven thinkers who bring their all to whatever they have stepped up to be involved in.

I have worked with Michelle since I joined the Board of Education five and a half years ago. Over the years we haven’t always agreed, but I have appreciated the discussions we have had and have always felt comfortable approaching her and exchanging ideas. She has been open-minded and always thoughtful as we have worked together through some difficult situations. In addition, she has gone above and beyond by being heavily involved in education outside of Newtown by being an active member of the CABE and making the trip to Hartford to speak before the State Legislature on multiple occasions.

To say that her leaving the Board of Education will create a large hole is an understatement; however, our loss would be a huge gain for the Legislative Council.

Jennifer Padilla will be a strong addition to the Board of Education and is someone I have crossed paths with over the past few years. She brings many of the qualities that Michelle has to the table, along with many new ones. Along with being a PTA president and member of PEAC, she has been a parent representative on multiple subcommittees including the District Security and Safety Committee. She has a lot of good ideas for how we can build on the previous work of the board and has the passion and drive needed. I look forward to the possibility of working together going forward should we both be elected.

Thanks.

Dan Cruson, Jr

Newtown