Hamden|News|
Cars: Consumer Reports' Top 10 American Cars For 2013
No American-made autos made the magazine's Top 10 list for 2013, so it created a second list of just cars made in the USA. Read on...

kathleen.ramunni@patch.com
Phone
203.654-0466
Hometown
Hamden, Conn.
Birthday
April 15
Bio
Kate Ramunni grew up in Hamden and has lived in the northern section of town since 2002. She attended Alice Peck School, Sleeping Giant Jr. High School and graduated from Sacred Heart Academy.
Kate began her journalism career with Hometown Publications, where she was the founding editor of the Hamden Journal. From there she covered the Naugatuck Valley for the Connecticut Post for 12 years before coming to Patch.
Kate is an animal lover and spends her free time working with rescue groups to help find homes for homeless dogs. She has several dogs of her own, most of whom were adopted from area animal shelters.
Kate can be reached at kathleen.ramunni@patch.com or at (203) 654-0466.
Beliefs
At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible because human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal their beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable. This disclosure is not a license for you to inject your beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that your beliefs are on the record will cause you to be ever mindful to write, report and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you ever see evidence that we failed in this mission, please let us know.
Politics
How would you describe your political beliefs?
Since moving back to Hamden in 2002 I have been registered as a Democrat, but only so that I could vote in the Democratic primaries for mayor. I agree with the Republican Party on some issues and with the Democrats on others.
Religion
How religious would you consider yourself?
I am Roman Catholic and it is a very important part of my life.
Local Hot-Button Issues
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?
Hamden today is a very different town than it was when I was growing up. The population has grown and in many ways so have the problems. Like most communities, Hamden's greatest challenge is providing services at a cost affordable to taxpayers. The potential for economic growth is mostly limited to what is already in place because there is little open space left available for development. Therefore, town officials have limited options in attracting new revenue.
No American-made autos made the magazine's Top 10 list for 2013, so it created a second list of just cars made in the USA. Read on...

The cocker spaniel mix needs a special home with no other dogs or children. He's available at the Meriden Humane Society.
Many members of the HMS seventh-grade class are achieving high marks.
Analysis shows Hamden's real estate market strength and gives direction for future economic development strategy focus
Employees at the Hamden Transfer Station reported Wednesday that they saw a man walking around carrying a rifle with a scope, police said.
Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen announced a $7 million multistate settlement with Google over unauthorized data collection from unsecured wireless networks.
Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was chosen by the conclave of Cardinals Wednesday to lead the worldwide Catholic Church as pope.
The report from the insurance adjustors is back and the bubble atop the Cheshire Community Pool is a total loss, so now the Town Council must decide how to proceed.
A Hamden man accused of breaking into a home in February because the resident owned him money was arrested Thursday and allegedly assaulted an officer on the way to the police station.
A Hamden man was arrested last week on charges he was operating a drug factory after citizens tipped off police.
Hamden obituaries for Tuesday, March 12.
The town of Hamden’s Department of Economic and Community Development, in conjunction with the Business Assistance Center, is offering a free seminar series for entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Board of Education on Monday accepted retirement requests of thirteen teachers, each with years of experience.
New Performance Standards are being taught along with academic subjects at the middle school and parents are getting quarterly reports on how their students are doing.
He served in the Army Air Corp from 1942 to 1946, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Arrests made by Hamden Police from Feb. 15 through Feb. 17, 2013. The following arrest information was provided by the Hamden Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction.
Here's the municipal meetings scheduled for this week, the second week of the month.
They will be honored on April 5 at the Hamden Lodge’s Elk and Officer of the Year Event that will be held in conjunction with the Lodge Installation of Officers.
The long-time Hamden resident had a long and very successful career at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in North Haven, where he quickly rose through the ranks.
Unusual arrests and investigations from the area.