12 to Watch in 2012: Libby Kimzey
Friday, December 30, 2011
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.
Related Articles
- 12 to Watch in 2012: Achievement First
- 12 to Watch in 2012: Matt Jennings
- 12 to Watch in 2012: Ed Cooley
- 12 to Watch in 2012: The Race in Congressional District 1
- 12 to Watch in 2012: George Zainyeh
- 12 to Watch in 2012: Andrea Valentini
- 12 to Watch in 2012: J. Patrick O’Neill
- 12 to Watch in 2012: Julie Sygiel
- 12 to Watch in 2012: Jim Bennett
- 12 to Watch in 2012: John Taylor
- 12 to Watch in 2012: Libby Kimzey
- 12 to Watch in 2012
- 12 to Watch in 2012: Libby Slader
