To the Editor:

Newtown, I am asking for your support in my run for the Legislative Council. Your vote in local elections can make a real difference in our community, and I would be honored to have yours. I join two experienced Democratic incumbents in running for the Legislative Council in District 3, Alison Plante and Chris Smith.

I have been on the Board of Education for eight years, the last four as Chairperson. So, I too am familiar with meeting challenges.

During my time on the Board of Education, we have mourned and managed the repercussions of a tragedy, built and reopened a new school, changed school start times to address teen health, invested in supports and pathways for unique student needs, and managed an entirely new educational model in the face of a worldwide pandemic.

Newtown will face more changes in the coming years — development at Fairfield Hills, changing demographics, increased traffic, a revision to the town Charter, and more frequent extreme weather events. Having served on a previous Charter Revision Commission and the Board of Education, being both a scientist and a parent, I truly believe I can help our town government face these challenges by critically evaluating each one and working with others to land on meaningful solutions.

I am asking for your support in doing so from a seat on the Legislative Council.

Newtown is in a good financial position, thanks to responsible leadership. I hope that you will vote to return Alison Plante and Chris Smith to the Legislative Council to continue that track record, and I would be honored to have your vote on November 2 to join them.

Michelle Embree Ku

Newtown