Senate District 18 candidate Frank DeVall says he wants to present “just the facts” without any “attacks.”

The East Providence resident and former Martin Middle School principal said he is endorsed by the city’s Democratic Committee and has support from the state teachers union, the National Education Association Rhode Island.

But the endorsements won’t affect his aim, he said.

“My goal is to serve the people of the city and state, focusing on what is best for all citizens, regardless of partisan viewpoints,” DeVall said. “Now, more than ever, General Assembly members must work collaboratively and make decisions based on common sense. I have great respect for our current state representatives from East Providence, in both parties, who lead with what is best in mind for all our citizens.”

“As your senator,” he said, “I know I can contribute with an open mind to all ideas and opportunities as we work toward alleviating the continued tax burden on our local homeowners and their families.”

DeVall said he received the endorsements because he believes in supporting all workers and their families. Yet he knows issues such as paying a percentage of health-care benefits and buybacks — a monetary incentive employees receive for declining health-care coverage from their company — need to be discussed and on the table during the upcoming contract negotiations with the city’s teachers.

He also said he has listened to residents’ concerns while campaigning door-to-door recently. Top issues for East Providence’s citizens are the “public burden of funding free public education; the frustration of those in office not working collaboratively toward finding solutions for our city and state; the upkeep of our city’s streets and bridges; the lack of opportunities for children and their families in the city; and the ongoing concerns over health care.”

Said DeVall, “My 22 years as a teacher and administrator in the public school system has prepared me to be a voice for public education at the state level. I will work to stop wasteful spending so that East Providence and the state can move forward. I will support the upkeep of our city and state highway system. I will also work to create additional programs for our children and their families, while continuing to support the various senior programs within the city.”

Residents can reach DeVall by calling (401) 383-7128. His e-mail address is fdevall@yahoo.com.

He said the lines of communication will continue to be open when he is seated in the senate.

“I will be a voice for the good of East Providence and its people,” DeVall said. “The future of our city and its proximity to the capital city of Providence holds numerous opportunities for growth. We need our elected officials to do what is best for East Providence and its future.”

— ALISHA A. PINA