Senate District 18 candidate Lynn (Mello) Vargas tells residents not to be fooled by her opponent’s claim that he is a “new face” in politics for East Providence.

Frank DeVall, the endorsed Democrat, is “a new face with the same old political machine that has run this city far too long,” Vargas’ political releases read.

She says she should be the “new face” elected to represent East Providence.

The Lunn Street resident, an independent running for the fist time, is a lifelong resident. She lived in Rumford for 23 years and Riverside for the last 18 years. She is a 1985 graduate of East Providence High School. She and her husband, John, have two children and own and operate Vargas Auto Service, on Broadway, which has been around for 29 years.

“I am tired of complaining and would like to make a difference,” she said in explaining why she decided to run. “I appreciate the struggles of raising a family in these tough economic times. I also know how difficult it is to operate a small business and how important it is for all businesses to succeed for the economic growth of Rhode Island.”

Through her campaigning, she said has learned what is important to the residents.

“You have helped me form opinions on issues facing our state,” she said. “I have listened as many of you talked about the need to be fiscally responsible as well as the need for the improvement of the quality of our water. You have brought to my attention that we need affordable and equitable school budgets in our district and that we should all have economically reasonable health care and prescription drugs.”

She continued, “Finally, many of you said ‘enough is enough’ to overspending [in] the state’s budget and to stop placing unfunded mandates on our local communities.”

Vargas believes since she is the only independent candidate, she is the most qualified and able to work both sides of the “so-called aisle at the State House.” DeVall, she reiterated, has accepted a major party’s endorsement as well as support from the National Education Association-Rhode Island, one of two teacher union organization in the state.

That support makes him unable to be “objective,” Vargas said.

“The state finished the fiscal year $34 million in the red partly because of the lack of negotiating skills of those in state government representing the taxpayers’ interests,” she continued. “My opponent works for the Central Falls School Department which is 100 percent funded by the state. Isn’t this a conflict of interest?”

She contends she is the “right person to do this job.”

“I owe nothing to either party and can therefore work openly and effectively for you, the people, and the issues that concern you and our families,” Vargas said. “I know first hand what it is like to work for a living as well as to work to keep my family happy and healthy the same way you do.”

She encourages all to call her at 433-3692 with any questions and comments to ensure she “wins this race for the people.”

— Alisha A. Pina