Wallingford, CT|News|
Are Connecticut's Hiking Trails Safe?
An investigative report by the New Haven Register suggests that the answer may be cause for concern.

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.
An investigative report by the New Haven Register suggests that the answer may be cause for concern.

An investigative report by the New Haven Register suggests that the answer may be cause for concern.
Two camp grounds at Pachaug State Forest have been closed due to the discovery of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
Two camp grounds at Pachaug State Forest have been closed due to the discovery of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).
"I’ve got to tell you ahead of time, these reforms won’t be popular with everybody," Obama says.
"I’ve got to tell you ahead of time, these reforms won’t be popular with everybody," Obama says.
Make some money for yourself while supporting a worthy cause that helps out Meriden residents in need.
Nancy Lanza, mother of Adam Lanza, the perpetrator of the Newtown Sandy Hook school shooting, reportedly purchased a gun from the East Windsor store.
Nancy Lanza, mother of Adam Lanza, the perpetrator of the Newtown Sandy Hook school shooting, reportedly purchased a gun from the East Windsor store.
The Office of State Ethics said 77 percent of that was spent on lobbying state legislators.
The Office of State Ethics said 77 percent of that was spent on lobbying state legislators.
Here are companies looking to hire. Provided by AOL Jobs.
Here are companies looking to hire. Provided by AOL Jobs.
Event, which drew 28 teams from around New England, is second-largest of its kind in New England.
Event, which drew 28 teams from around New England, is second-largest of its kind in New England.
Gov. Dannel Malloy signed the bill late last week.
Gov. Dannel Malloy signed the bill late last week.