To The Editor:

Newtown, my appreciation goes out to you. Everyone who voted, volunteered on a campaign, worked at our polls, or voiced an opinion about the issues in this election played a part in our democracy. I am honored by your trust and am ready to get to work as your next state representative.

I appreciate Representative Mitch Bolinsky's fourteen years of service to our community. He called me last evening to congratulate me and offer his assistance as I prepare to take office. I am grateful for that. I recognize that people in our community have different experiences, perspectives, and expectations of their elected representatives. I take seriously the responsibility to serve all of them, and I am committed to continuing responsive constituent services and advocating for Newtown's needs.

I am incredibly thankful to everyone who opened their door to me for a conversation. It has been a privilege to listen to your experiences: your concerns for your children, your personal challenges, and your ideas for a better future. I will carry those conversations with me to Hartford. Listening, asking questions, and understanding how decisions affect people's lives will be central to how I serve.

An election won't resolve all our differences, but we have the opportunity to move forward together, one conversation at a time. Bringing people together doesn't mean we will always agree or that we should shy away from difficult conversations. It means listening to one another, respecting our differences, and recognizing that everyone deserves to be heard, valued, and represented.

I look forward to working with our neighbors, our local leaders, and our partners in Hartford to build a future where everyone in Newtown has a voice and a sense of belonging. I will work every day to earn the trust you've placed in me.

Michelle Embree Ku

Newtown