House District 8 – RI Future

There’s no other way to say this: The old ways aren’t working, our state is moving in the wrong direction, and I need your help to fix it.

Today, John Lombardi announces his candidacy for State Representative of District 8. Mr. Lombardi has served on the City Council for almost three decades, and I thank him for his years of service to the City of Providence. But it is time to look forward.

It’s time for new ideas and new leadership – that’s why I’m running. Our neighborhoods deserve better, and with your help, I know we can turn it around

The fact is that there’s really no difference between John Lombardi, and our current state rep, Michael Tarro – they’re both political insiders, with a stake in the old way of doing things, in City Hall and on Smith Hill.

For years, all of us in Federal Hill, Olneyville and Valley have been let down by poor leadership. And for too long, elected officials have been making short-sighted decisions in order to reward friends and get re-elected. Today we’re all living with the results. Since April, I’ve knocked on hundreds of doors and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. People are ready for a new direction, they’re tired of politics as usual, and I’m in this to fight for all of us who know that Providence can do better. I’m in this to win.

I need your help. Please donate $100 or $10 today, or sign up to volunteer.

Though the number of people seeking to represent District 8 changes today, our campaign does not.

I look forward to working with you to build a stronger Rhode Island. Please feel free to email me and let me know your concerns, to learn more about my campaign, and how you can get involved.

So, for those of you who don’t know, RI Future writer and all around awesome person, Libby Kimzey, is running for House District 8. She had to delay her announcement until late December due to the contract she was under. But for the 12 days of December from the 20th to the 31st, she raised almost $14,000 for her campaign. A strong start for a wonderful candidate. Here’s the full press statement:

Providence, RI – Libby Kimzey, a first-time candidate for office, raised $13,778.41 in financial contributions between Dec. 20 and Dec. 31, 2011. “We set an aggressive goal of raising $8,000 by the end of the year, and far surpassed it,” said Kimzey. “I’ve been overwhelmed by the support of neighbors in the district, friends and family.”

Libby is a candidate for State Representative in District 8, encompassing her neighborhood of Federal Hill, as well as parts of the Olneyville and Valley.

Kimzey currently works as Director of Programs at Capital Good Fund, where she works with low-income families and Rhode Island small businesses on growth and stability. Kimzey is deeply involved in her local community, participating with organizations including the West Broadway Neighborhood Association, Building Futures, and the Rhode Island Foster Parent Association.

“There are connections between important issues,” Kimzey said. “Families that are struggling need to be supported as they work on paying for education, gaining health coverage, improving the environment, and planning for a financially sustainable future.”

The success Ms. Kimzey’s campaign has enjoyed in raising over $13,000 in ten days will allow her to communicate directly and effectively with the Providence residents who live in District 8.

“I am looking forward to talking with all my neighbors,” said Kimzey, “I want hear their priorities and concerns, and what they expect of their state government. I will be the accessible, responsive State Representative they deserve.”

Biography

Libby Kimzey currently work as Director of Programs at Capital Good Fund, where she works with low-income families building credit, creating budgets and managing debt, while also issuing loans for citizenship applications and starting small businesses. Kimzey is deeply involved in her local community, participating with organizations including the West Broadway Neighborhood Association, English For Action, Building Futures, Friends of Dexter Park, Urban Greens Food Cooperative and Rhode Island Foster Parents Association. Although a first time candidate, Ms. Kimzey is not new to the State House. Over many years, she has been a voice for issues including public transportation, fair taxes and electoral reform, working with groups as diverse as Common Cause and Ocean State Action.

Her past work, like her current employment, reflects her commitment to working for a better future for all Rhode Islanders. As one example, Kimzey managed ‘Project 20/20,’ a program that placed 71,509 energy saving light bulbs in over 5,300 low-income RI households.

Building off her professional history, she will prioritize several key issues in her campaign, and as a State Representative. These include: economic development, quality public education, fair taxation, sustainable communities, and accessible and accountable government.

More information can be found at www.libbykimzey.com.

Tag: House District 8

Old vs. New in Campaign for State House Seat

Libby Kimzey Raises Over $13,000 in Twelve Days