Orange, CT|News|
The Santa Controversy and its Ties to Connecticut
It was former Hamden resident Aisha Harris' article that prompted the debate as to whether Santa should be portrayed as white.

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.
It was former Hamden resident Aisha Harris' article that prompted the debate as to whether Santa should be portrayed as white.

It was former Hamden resident Aisha Harris' article that prompted the debate as to whether Santa should be portrayed as white.
Mr. Catchings was a U.S. Navy veteran and was a member of Dixwell Avenue Congregational United Church of Christ.
Gregory Schena was killed on May 12, 2010 by a drunk driver.
It was former Hamden resident Aisha Harris' article that prompted the debate as to whether Santa should be portrayed as white.
The following arrest information was provided by the Hamden Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction.
Late Kentucky man's spirit lives on in 'Aaron's Last Wish.' On Monday, a Hamden waitress was the beneficiary of that good will.
He was going to sneak oxycodone into the prison, according to federal officials.
Arcolain Fountain was a corrections officer at the prison at the time of his arrest.
Cheshire Public Schools will be holding a series of forums in January during which residents can learn about give input into the 2014-15 school budget.
A look at some of the job listings from the past week in and around the Cheshire area.
A look at some of the job listings from the past week in and around the Hamden area.
One St. Rita's eighth-grader was chosen to represent all state elementary Catholic school students.
Because of the snow, leaf pickups are suspended for the time being.
A gentle soul with a dry sense of humor, he will be missed by all in his family, but remain in our thoughts and hearts.
The showing is free and open to the public.
The money for the new technology will come from a state grant.
The Cheshire Symphony Orchestra kicks off its season tonight.
Tot Shabbat, Holiday Concert scheduled for this week, as well as a Solarize Hamden Q&A where you can learn about solarizing your home.
The following arrest information was provided by the Hamden Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction.