Peter DeVries, from Andover, talked about his ideas he hopes to take to the Senate during a stop in El Dorado Friday.

DeVries, who is running for the 18th District seat in the Senate, gave a speech in front of the Butler County Courthouse.

He said his parents are the reason he is running.

“They never asked anyone to help them,” he said.

He said they took charge, acted on impulse and went where they were needed to help out.

In addition to his parents, his wife also has been a tremendous inspiration to him.

“The combination of these forces have made it impossible to turn away from this duty,” he said. “I’m running because the truth is, together we can do it together.”

He said the state needs a break from the politics of the past.

DeVries went on to talk about the quality of life in Kansas and Butler County specifically.

“We need to protect and enhance that quality of life,” he said.

Some of his issues for this election include the economy, government accountability, and energy, among others.

“As your senator, these issues will be my focus,” he said.

He hopes to work to bring in quality employers and have corporate accountability, as well as work to cut the state’s budget and eliminate waste.

“I understand the hard work and sacrifices you make everyday,” DeVries said.

“My vision is a Kansas that will be responsible as a state.”

He also sees the state as a pioneer in energy.

“We have led in the past and must lead in years to come,” he said.

Education also is important to him.

“We have a moral obligation to educate the next generation,” he said. “Our public schools lay the foundation.”

He said well-educated workers are important in bringing in new business.

He also hopes to address systems that he feels need change, such s health care.

“It is a broken system,” he said. “It punishes both businesses and middle class. We must do a better job of promoting wellness in Kansas.”

He said all of these issues are related.

“We must recognize these truths and move forward,” he said. “I will be a senator committed to the cause.”