Patch Candidate Profile: Michelle Embree Ku For Newtown Legislative Council - District 3

NEWTOWN, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

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

Candidate's Name: Michelle Embree Ku

What office are you seeking? Newtown Legislative Council - District 3

What town do you live in? Newtown

Campaign Website

Party Affiliation: Democratic Party

Occupation: Regulatory Submissions Scientist

Family: My husband Warren and I have three boys who attended Newtown public schools, and my mother lives nearby.

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

Previous public office, appointive or elective:

Newtown Board of Selectmen (2023-current)
Newtown Legislative Council (2021-23)
Newtown Board of Education (2013-21, Chair 2017-21)
Connecticut State Department of Education/RESC Alliance Regional Advisory Team to examine return to school during COVID (2020)
State of Connecticut General Assembly’s Task Force to Study Life Threatening Food Allergies in Schools (2016, Co-chair)
Newtown Charter Revision Commission (2012)

Why are you seeking this office? I’m running to represent Newtown's District 3 on the Legislative Council because I believe in public service and the importance of listening, collaborating, and working hard on behalf of the community. I enjoy navigating challenges and finding common ground, and I value the structure that our democratic process provides for making thoughtful, inclusive decisions — even when there’s disagreement. I want to strengthen communication, improve transparency, and ensure Newtown grows in a way that reflects both our values and our long-term priorities.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is managing responsible growth while ensuring our infrastructure — including roads, schools, and water supply — can support it. Although the Legislative Council is not responsible for approving most development, this is what I intend to do about it: I will advocate for long term solutions to our shortage of water supply and for ordinances that include procedures that will make our local government more transparent and communicative. That means ensuring residents have timely access to information, clear updates about infrastructure and service disruptions, and real opportunities to participate in the public process. I believe strongly that creating open lines of dialogue allows everyone in the community an opportunity to contribute to solutions.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post? It’s difficult to generalize about the six other candidates, each of whom brings their own perspective and strengths to the race. What sets me apart is my long-standing commitment to Newtown, with over 13 years of experience serving in various local roles. That experience has given me a deep understanding of how our town government works and how to get things done.

More importantly, it’s given me the chance to build relationships across the community. I’ve always valued hearing from residents — whether we agree or not — and I take seriously the responsibility of representing all voices. This work has allowed me to connect with people I might never have met otherwise, and it’s strengthened my belief in thoughtful, inclusive, and transparent leadership.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign? I am committed to upholding our democratic principles, whether it's free speech, free and fair elections, or the protection of fundamental human rights.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job? I have served on many boards and commissions, both locally and statewide. I have served both as a contributing member as well as in leadership roles. The boards on which I served have preserved open space, built a new school, improved school security practices, changed school start times for teen health, improved air quality at Hawley Elementary School, committed to upholding diversity, equity and inclusion in the schools, navigated a pandemic, initiated a special education contingency fund, made a recommendation to provide "advisory questions" on the budget ballot, and provided research on food allergens in schools to the Connecticut Legislature.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you? "In everything, do unto others what you would have them do unto you . . . if you could see the world from their perspective."

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions? I appreciate the opportunities the community has given me over the last thirteen years. I am committed to doing my best to serve Newtown.