To the Editor:

Labor Day parades where neighbors reserve seats with strategically placed lawn chairs, waiting in line for the last scoop of ice cream for the season; watching the home team in Blue and Gold Stadium; getting bagels from Eunice on a Saturday morning; and being able to walk to a horse paddock or a trail in the woods from my front door — these are the things that I love about my home in Newtown.

I moved to Newtown 14 years ago, and what was intended to be a brief interruption in my career in science and research soon became an opportunity to volunteer in the community. I have been deeply involved ever since. I started by volunteering with the PTA, then serving on a Charter Revision Commission and volunteering with recovery efforts after the Sandy Hook School shootings.

Those experiences inspired me to become a member of the Newtown Board of Education for eight years, chairing it for four. I also chaired a Task Force to Study Life-Threatening Food Allergies in Schools for the Connecticut General Assembly, and I am currently serving as a member of the Legislative Council.

What drives me today is what inspired me to get involved in town government more than a decade ago. I want to live in and contribute to a community that supports all residents — whether young or old, new or established, and regardless of identity — with activities, an affordable place to live, open space, safety, and the ability to get around town on well-maintained roads and sidewalks.

I am also inspired by my fellow candidates, who have selflessly put their names and reputations on the line to serve their community. I am particularly excited to be running as Dan Cruson, Jr’s running mate for the Board of Selectmen.

When we served together on the Board of Education, the Board was laser-focused on how to do best by our community, and we got things done. We worked to provide better air quality at Hawley School after more than a decade of stalled plans; we changed to healthier school start times; we contributed to managing a completely new learning model during a pandemic; and we helped plan school safety and security, not only in the newly built Sandy Hook School but also in established school buildings in the district.

I am excited at the prospect of working on the Board of Selectmen with Dan Cruson and this incredibly qualified slate of Democratic candidates to accomplish so much more for Newtown.

Michelle Embree Ku

Newtown