NORTH SMITHFIELD – A North Smithfield native who served three terms on the Town Council in the early 2010s is seeking reelection to board, pointing to both her open, inclusive approach to town government and scrutiny of municipal spending.
Kimberly Alves notes that her family ties to North Smithfield date back more than 60 years, when her grandfather built a house on Providence Pike, where he ran a local business. Alves was raised in the same home where her grandfather had greenhouses, and sold outdoor flowers and vegetable plants during the summer for many years.
Alves and her brother attended Bushee School, Halliwell School and the high school. After leaving town for a period, she returned in 2007 and built a house on Follett Street.
“I wanted my children to experience growing up in a small rural community,” she said. “Now that my children are 20 and 16, I have instilled in them that it is important to give back to your community, and we do this annually by participating in the town’s Clean and Green day, as well as volunteering at the town’s Easter Egg hunt.”
Alves said she is “extremely proud,” of her son’s senior project where he designed and built the sand volleyball court at Pacheco Park for the enjoyment of town residents. Kyle Alves also had plans to develop a league for children, but the effort was put on hold due to COVID-19.
“Upon my return to the town, I immediately started to get involved with NSYSA,” said Alves. “I joined the board and remained a member for about three years, as well as coached several years of soccer for my children.”
She was appointed to the Budget Committee in 2008 to serve as vice chairperson, and served until 2010.
“This was a great opportunity to learn the town’s budgeting process, as well as learn the essentials for each department,” Alves said.
Alves was elected to the Town Council in 2010 and served three terms, opting not to seek reelection in 2016.
In 2017, she was again appointed to the Budget Committee and served as chairperson. But that year, the council passed a fiscal plan fully relying on recommendations from Town Administrator Gary Ezovski and the entire committee resigned, citing foolish spending.
“During my tenure on the council, my biggest attribute was understanding the budget procedure, as well as constantly scrutinizing the monthly invoices that came before the council for approval, as I felt it was my job to understand where the tax payers’ money was being spent,” Alves said.
Alves notes she has always been very approachable, both on and off the council, and assured voters that she will always encourage open dialogue at meetings.
“It has been very disappointing to watch the conduct at some council meetings, as some residents have been treated with disrespect, laughed at and told outright that they could not speak,” Alves said. “Should you elect me back to the council, I can guarantee that public meetings will be made available, especially on controversial topics, as Town Council members are elected to be your voice and not to silence you.”
