Welcome To Naugatuck Patch

Email: ronald.derosa@patch.com
Phone: 203-605-3213
Hometown: Pick one: Bridgeport, Washington, Morris and Naugatuck, all in Connecticut.
Birthday: May 12, 1986
Bio:  I was born the seventh of eight children in Bridgeport, Conn., where I lived for several years until my family moved to Litchfield County. Bridgeport, and several towns surrounding it, were always very familiar to me, however, since I was often out working with my dad on his paint jobs.

In Litchfield County I lived in the town of Washington, Conn., and later in Morris during my collegiate years. My parents still live there. Nothing is more refreshing for me to drive up through my old home area and go for a hike, stop by a coffee shop or just drive around the scenic areas of Route 44 and Route 7 (just to name a few).

In 2004 I graduated Shepaug Valley High School, a regional high school for Washington, Roxbury and Bridgewater. I then went on to get a bachelor's degree from a small liberal arts college located just outside of Burlington, Vt., called Saint Michael's College. There, I also double-minored in journalism and Italian studies, and I wrote for the college's newspaper and magazine. In the fall of 2006 I also studied abroad in Perugia, Italy, where I was able to master my Italian to a near-fluent level. I still speak it well, although I have to keep practicing to maintain it.

On that note, I am also a dual citizen with Italy. I gained my citizenship in July of this year, going through my paternal grandfather's lineage. It was quite a process, obtaining documents and e-mailing various town halls in Italy (although I got to write in Italian, which was nice).

In August 2008 I was hired as a staff reporter at The Register Citizen newspaper in Torrington. I was first assigned the beat as the Torrington reporter, and later I covered the courts and cops beat. This was where I credit much of my experience in journalism, not only because it was my first professional job but because it taught me all there was to know about what was important in news. I also freelanced for The Catholic Transcript during this time.

I have lived in Naugatuck for the past two years, since graduating college.

Politics
How would you describe your political beliefs?

Jaded, at best. My father has forever been a hardcore Democrat, although I wouldn't argue that he is liberal, per se. But those values always had an impact on me, so I would say I am somewhat liberal although I have a centrist point of view. I used to get very emotional about politics, although nowadays I am a bit more apathetic. I still vote though, and I have exercised my right to vote ever since I turned 18. I even voted in the famous 2006 Democratic primary when Ned Lamont beat Joe Lieberman, and I did that via absentee ballot (I was living in Vermont for the summer). I also didn't forget to vote in the midterm elections in November 2006 when I was studying abroad in Italy (I made sure I ordered my absentee ballot weeks ahead of time).

Are you registered with a certain party?

Yes, I am a registered Democrat.

Religion
How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious)

As a Catholic, I like to call myself devout, however I'll be honest when I say I will lapse out a lot. I would say I am religious, though. I do go to Mass pretty much every Sunday, and I have been since high school and throughout college. It's always been important to me.

Local Hot-Button Issues
What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?

Probably the most important issue is redevelopment. Naugatuck is a prime location, with access through Route 8 and the Metro North railroad. With redevelopment of the borough's downtown, Naugatuck could become a vibrant destination with shops, restaurants and other attractions, making it a desirable place much like it was back in the days when the factories were downtown.

Where do you stand on each of these issues?

Given my above description I suppose it's pretty clear I am behind redevelopment. I mean, I guess that's kind of trite. Who isn't? Well, I'd say I support the Renaissance Place to the fullest, and hope that a public patience combined with a developer's vision for the borough can eventually create a vibrant downtown. It may take some time, but I believe it will happen.