Michelle Embree Ku

Michelle Embree Ku earned a Ph.D. from Brown University in 2002. Her career experience includes working as a scientist.[1]

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Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased October 8, 2024

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

For more than a decade, I have been devoted to public service, to my career as a scientist and to being the proud parent of three sons ranging in age from 18 to 23 all of whom graduated from Newtown Public Schools.

My husband and I were drawn to Newtown fifteen years ago and my parents soon joined us to live nearby.

My current work as a scientist allows me to engage in a strong area of interest - public health. I am a regulatory submissions scientist and my background includes a PhD in biology from Brown University where I taught as an adjunct professor about the environmental effects on health, and I was also awarded a fellowship for Rhode Island Hospital researching reproductive toxicology. During my tenure on Newtown’s Board of Education, I served as a key member of state committees in public health concerning life-threatening food allergies and returning to school during the Covid pandemic.

Today, I serve as one of three Board of Selectmen.

My motivation for public service remains rooted in the same values that led me to advocate for change over a decade ago. I want to live in a community where families thrive and every individual has the opportunity to contribute to a vibrant, inclusive society.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

As a working parent and a long time resident of Newtown, I am not surprised when people tell me that they are concerned about rising costs here in Connecticut. I understand how important it is to keep the cost of living low so that Newtown remains accessible to seniors and young families. and I am committed to addressing rising costs in housing, healthcare and utilities, among other necessities.Access to quality public education has been a cornerstone of my life, providing me with opportunities that allowed me to live more comfortably than my parents did. I hope I have shared these values with my children who are now attending college and working and that they will have even greater opportunity.

I believe that every child deserves the same chance to succeed and thrive. Ensuring that our young people become critical thinkers is essential not just for their individual futures but for the future of our society as a whole. I am committed to advocating for policies that enhance educational resources, promote inclusivity, and prepare our young people to contribute to Connecticut’s workforce and tackle the challenges of tomorrow.As we see more catastrophic weather events, we must address climate change. I will be an advocate for perfecting a catastrophic preparedness plan for extreme weather, including shoring up our infrastructure. I will also work to encourage the development of affordable renewable energy options while supporting progress in grid infrastructure that will support green energy solutions.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Addressing affordability in Connecticut, education, healthcare, including women’s reproductive health, gun violence prevention, climate change and the environment.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Above all else, it is important that elected officials have a moral compass. When officials are guided by their values, they are better equipped to engage in good-faith conversations, even when opinions differ. And 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, there will be tradeoffs to consider when working towards these solutions but voters can rely on me to be guided steadfastly by my core values.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was scooping ice cream in high school. I had the job for three years.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

3.14 Action Fund to Elect Scientists, Connecticut League of Conservation Voters, American Federation of Teachers, Connecticut Education Association (Honor Roll), Connecticut Against Gun Violence (A grade), Moms Demand Action, Everytown, Planned Parenthood, Reproductive Equity Now, Young Democrats of Connecticut