A longtime local business owner announced a campaign for Centre County commissioner on Monday.
Marie Librizzi, the retired co-owner of the Old Main Frame Shop and Gallery, is running for a Republican nomination as county commissioner in the May primary election. If elected in November, she intends to encourage local involvement and increase economic development in Centre County, particularly in more rural areas.
“There’s a lot to love about Centre County. We have a lot of strengths,” Librizzi said in a statement. “However, for too long Centre County has been viewed as just the Centre Region. It’s important to me that we increase the involvement of individuals, businesses, and organizations in some of our county’s more rural areas. There’s a lot of talent all across Centre County, and by working together we can grow and enhance the entire county as a whole.”
While likely best known for her work with the beloved Old Main Frame Shop and Gallery, Librizzi previously held ownership stakes in a few additional local establishments, including the Boalsburg Pump Station Cafe and Sadie’s Gourmet Waffles. She also served as president of the Downtown State College Improvement District.
Outside of her business ventures, Librizzi has served with the Coast Guard Auxiliary for more than 14 years and is a member of the State College Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion Post 245.
Librizzi said in a statement that her varied experiences will help her strengthen Centre County for generations to come.
“I believe in the power of optimism, the importance of self-created opportunities, and the value of hard work,” Librizzi said. “Ensuring prosperity for future generations is one of my top concerns. On a local level, serving as a county commissioner naturally aligns with my strong history of supporting economic development and human services.”
Librizzi currently resides in Ferguson Township and has lived in Centre County since 1978. According to a statement, she’ll bring her commissioner campaign to each of the county’s 10 boroughs and 25 townships to strengthen community ties.
“We plan to be everywhere,” Librizzi said. “I look forward to meeting lots of new faces while also catching up with the thousands of individuals I’ve met during my four decades of business in Centre County.”
The municipal primary election is May 16. Candidates can circulate and file nomination petitions starting on Feb. 14.
Librizzi is now the third prospective candidate to announce intentions to run for Centre County commissioner. Incumbent Mark Higgins will run for reelection alongside Amber Concepcion, who recently replaced Michael Pipe as commissioner after he departed for a job in newly elected Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration.
