To The Editor:

My biggest investment is in my home. For my future financial security, I need people to want to move to Newtown, so the value of my home will increase over time. People choose where they move based on the quality of the school system. That’s why I support funding for the Newtown schools. And that’s why I support Jahana Hayes, Rob Blanchard and Michelle Embree Ku.

Jahana Hayes has been a champion for education, and has detailed publicly proposed plans to improve our schools’ infrastructure, classroom resources, and teacher support, and to fully fund special education and expand early childhood education. She was an award winning national Teacher of the Year, so she knows schools, and she knows how to get things done.

Rob Blanchard has experience working in state government, and served locally on the equivalent of our planning and zoning board and legislative council. He knows how to collaborate with leaders to ensure we aren’t faced with rising property taxes or cuts to school funding. He knows that one of our greatest assets is our highly educated workforce, and knows how to work with employers and schools to strengthen our talent pipeline.

Michelle Ku, in addition to her career in science, served on and chaired the Board of Education, and served on the Legislative Council. She is currently on the Board of Selectmen. Michelle’s commitment to bipartisan collaboration in solving real problems in our town and schools resulted in achievements such as healthier school start times and better safety and security in schools. Now she wants to take this bipartisan problem solving approach to Hartford.

This is the team we need for our schools and the value of our homes. That’s why Jahana, Rob and Michelle get my vote on November 5.

Ed Randall

Newtown