CT Patch Candidate Profile: Michelle Embree Ku For State Rep

NEWTOWN, CT — Election Day on Nov. 5 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Newtown

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the town and state.

Candidate’s Name: Michelle Embree Ku

What office are you seeking? Connecticut State House of Representatives

District: 106th District

Campaign website

What city or town do you live in? Newtown

Party affiliation: Democratic and Independent

Education: PhD in Biology, Brown University

Occupation: Scientist in Regulatory Submissions

Family: My husband (Warren) and I have three sons, all graduates of Newtown Public Schools. Jared attends the University of Connecticut, Myles attends Worcester Polytechnical Institute, and my oldest son, Jet, lives in Colorado where he works for the NHL. My mother, Lea Embree, lives nearby in Southbury.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? No

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

• Board of Selectmen (since 2023) • Legislative Council (2021-2023) • Newtown Board of Education (2013-2021, Chair 2017-2021) • EdAdvance Regional Education Service Center, Board of Directors (2013-2020, President 2020, Vice President 2018-19) • Representative to CSDE/RESC Alliance Regional Advisory Team to the Governor to examine return to school during COVID (2020) • Co-Chair of the State of Connecticut General Assembly’s Task Force to Study Life Threatening Food Allergies in Schools (2016) • Member of Newtown Charter Revision Commission (2012)

Age: 57

Why are you seeking this office?

I want Newtown to have an active voice in the room of the majority in Hartford, where policy and funding allocation conversations begin. I have over a decade of public service both locally and on state commissions, and my years of advocacy in Hartford - for Newtown’s education funding, gun violence prevention, food allergy policy, quality public education, school resource officers, and safer air quality in our school buildings - have given me the opportunity to develop relationships that will help me work with others to craft legislation that best serves Newtown.

What do you believe is the No. 1 issue facing Connecticut, and how do you plan to address it?

The most pressing issue facing my constituents is the cost of living. Whether it's healthcare, childcare, utilities, or repairing damages from catastrophic weather events, my focus will be on building long-term solutions to reducing prescription drug prices and healthcare insurance costs, expanding access to childcare and pre-kindergarten programs, encouraging development of clean energy resources and more attainable housing, and holding PURA accountable for the cost of our utilities.

There have been an alarming number of deaths on Connecticut's roadways. Is there anything from a legislative standpoint that can be done to address that?

Absolutely! House Bill 5330, which was passed in the recent legislative session is an example of how legislation can address highway safety. It increased fines for violating traffic control and road safety orders, and it authorized additional improvements to work safety zones (my opponent opposed this bill). Beyond that, there have been multiple studies published regarding I84 and recommended safety improvements. We must press for the use of the surplus in the Special Transportation Fund to address these issues.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have advocated for gun violence prevention consistently since 2012 whereas the incumbent has a mixed record. In 2021, the incumbent opposed red flag law updates (establishing a process for family, household members, and certain medical professionals to apply for a Risk Warrant and ensuring that individuals whose firearms are removed cannot not acquire additional firearms or ammunition). I would have voted in favor of those changes to the laws. In 2022, the incumbent opposed legislation that funded gun violence research, and in 2023, the incumbent opposed an act addressing gun violence that banned the open-carry of firearms in public, increased penalties for repeated serious firearm offenses, and extended safe storage requirements. I would have voted in favor.

Additionally, I am a proponent of healthcare being accessible and affordable, and reproductive health decisions being made between a person and their medical provider. The incumbent has a mixed record of opposing legislation that protects women's rights. He voted against providing reproductive healthcare access at public higher education institutions. And notably, he voted against the "Reproductive Freedom Defense Act" following the Supreme Court’s decision to ban abortion nationwide in 2022. The “Reproductive Freedom Defense Act” legally protects patients traveling to Connecticut seeking abortion care, and prevents Connecticut’s medical professionals from extradition to other states.

At a time when the future of women’s ability to make decisions about abortions and IVF is in question, and basic reproductive healthcare is being denied in other states, we must have legislators who are committed to safeguarding access to basic care and protecting our medical professionals from the chilling effect of the threat of extradition.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have held multiple positions both elected and appointed in Newtown and on state commissions giving me a breadth and depth of experience. All of this was accomplished while helping my parents manage their health and, along with my husband, raising three active sons who are only just now out of the nest into colleges and careers. Furthermore, my science credentials and background in elected positions will readily align with creating solutions for Newtown.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Above all else, I believe it is important that elected officials have a moral compass. When officials are guided by their values, voters can rely on them and they are better equipped to engage in good-faith conversations, even when opinions differ. When diverse perspectives can be heard and respected, it leads to collaborative solutions that truly address the needs of our community. In the reality of being a legislator, I know there are tradeoffs to consider when working towards these solutions but voters can rely on me to be guided steadfastly by my core values.