12 to Watch in 2012: Libby Kimzey

Friday, December 30, 2011

GoLocalProv Politics Team

Rhode Island has a history of cultivating young and ambitious political aspirants from Brown University overhauler Ira Magaziner to representative (and congressional candidate) David Segal. The freshest face on the scene has just thrown her hat into the ring for the first time, and all eyes are on Libby Kimzey to make her place in 2012.

Kimzey, a student at Brown University and a community activist, announced in mid-December her candidacy for Providence's District 8 state representative seat that is currently held by first-term Rep. Michael Tarro. Before Tarro, the seat belonged to House Finance chairman Steven Constantino; the district in its current form includes Olneyville, the Valley neighborhood, and Federal Hill.

Kimzey has strong credentials for a young challenger. She cut her community activist teeth in a number of venues and currently works at the Capital Good Fund, the non-profit micro finance organization based in Providence, which she joined in 2010. She serves as Director of Programs and runs the organization's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site among other duties.

In taking on Tarro, Kimzey faces a staunch cultural challenge, as the district has clearly been run from the Federal Hill corner, but she's already poked at incumbent Tarro's weak spot, has he came under fire for his handling of the Grove Street School property, which was demolished in December. The property was owned by the Tarro family, which hoped to convert part of the land into a parking lot (Tarro was let go from his position as assistance city solicitor over the situation earlier in 2011).

Kimzey enjoys already enthusiastic support in the Valley and Olneyville, and as the campaign swings into gear, she'll show her mettle on the sidewalks of Federal Hill. Her campaign kickoff had some serious firepower, including State Rep. Teresa Tanzi (on whose campaign Kimzey worked in 2010), former State Rep. and prominent progressive David Segal, and Lauren Nocera, current chairwoman of the Providence Democratic Party.

The race is on, and this young challenger is one to watch in 2012.

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Comments:

Craig O'connor

11:58am on Friday, December 30, 2011

Libby is incredibly bright, committed, capable and is ready to be a great leader for Providence and Rhode Island. Thanks for highlighting her nascent campaign!

Mike Govern

12:17pm on Friday, December 30, 2011

Seriously? We need another elitist ivy-league activist like we need a bleeding ulcer....

Aaron Regunberg

3:28pm on Friday, December 30, 2011

Hi Mike, I think if you talked to Libby--even for a short amount of time--you would know how far from an 'elitist' she really is. She didn't spend her time in college on the Hill, she spent it working in and getting to know the community. She's been here a while now and has done some good things. Hope you'll try to meet her and see for yourself before making any judgments.

Chris Brink

6:19pm on Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Honestly, I am getting tired allowing Brown University graduates to run for office and figure that they screw everything up at Capitol Hill. Plus this girl has been in this state since 2005 due to schooling. I think this another ponzi-scheme for 2012. I also do not believe she focus with social agencies, such as Amos House or have been involved with social agencies at all. Even though, I respect her experience and commitments. But I do not believe she is strong candidate at this time.