Candidates for Lodi Township Supervisor Respond to STN Questions

The Sun Times News is committed to providing balanced, unbiased, and useful reporting about candidates running in local elections. STN sent a short set of questions to each of the candidates running for Lodi Township Supervisor in the August 4th primary election.  

Matthew Cauley and Jacob D. Schaible will compete in the primary to represent the Republican party in the November general election while Democrats Barry Wauldron and Jane V. Chronis are competing for the Democratic nomination.

Limited to 200 words per answer, below are the responses submitted by Barry Wauldron and Jane V. Chronis. Matthew Cauley and Jacob D. Schaible did not respond to the questions. 

STN: If elected, If elected, how will your party’s core values influence your approach serving Lodi Township constituents?

Chronis: I believe local government works best when it is practical, transparent, respectful, and focused on serving everyone in the community. Township government should not be about partisan politics — it should be about solving problems, listening carefully, and making thoughtful decisions that protect residents’ quality of life. 

My approach would be grounded in fiscal responsibility, open communication, and fairness. With my MBA degree from the University of Michigan I have the capability to understand the complexities of municipal budgets. I will be accessible, prepared, and willing to work with people of all values and opinions. Good government depends on trust, and trust is built through consistency, honesty, and respectful leadership. 

Through my years serving as Deputy Township Supervisor, Chairing the Lodi Township Board of Review and the Zoning Board of Appeals, I have appreciated working with residents from many different backgrounds and viewpoints. I understand the importance of balancing property rights, responsible growth, financial stewardship, and preservation of the rural character that makes Lodi Township special. 

My focus will always be on practical solutions and steady leadership that serves the entire community.

Wauldron: In my experience, a core value of the Democratic party is maintaining a “big tent” and being receptive to a diversity of ideas and approaches to the work of government. Lodi is home to farmers, suburban professionals and everyone in-between. We should all have a voice and a seat at the table. 

As an educator, I want to create opportunities for Lodi residents to learn about and participate in the decisions that affect our community. This means being transparent and informative in conducting our business.  

Board and committee appointments should be filled through an open posting process so residents wishing to serve have access. Residents looking for information should be able to find it easily.  Township officials should be reasonably accessible and responsive to resident concerns, and our public meetings should be accessible online to improve convenience and public engagement.

STN: What is your favorite part of living in Lodi Township that you hope to preserve, and what is one thing you think is ready to change?

Wauldron: I moved to Lodi 12 years ago with a goal of living closer to nature; the common dream of getting some land, working hard and creating a more self-sufficient life.  Like many, I didn’t realize how difficult and costly it would actually be. I’ve certainly paid my dues over the years, but have never quit.  I’ve learned what it takes to maintain and improve my land and respect the people who’ve chosen this life.  I’m not a farmer but I think government can play a role in supporting local agriculture and I’ve worked for years on such projects in the Ann Arbor area.

I’m blessed to live in a rural, agricultural community, and will work to defend it.  I’ve served on the board of a land conservancy and value habitat and farmland over “sprawl”.  I’ll focus proactively on crafting strong ordinances that we can defend, to protect the landscape we cherish.  

Of course, I also welcome thoughtful, beneficial development that creates positive assets for us. I’d like to see more business opportunities in Lodi, including a diner, café or pub. A place where locals can meet up and talk about the weather;  a cultural asset to the community.

Chronis: The strong sense of community and the rural character make this township such a special place to live. I grew up in Ann Arbor and moved to Lodi in 1990 when I built two houses, helped co-ordinate construction of a private roadway, and worked closely with then supervisor Jan Godek. My four kids love to say that “Lodi Township is the best place to live in the world.” I want to protect the rural character while planning responsibly for the future. I am sensitive to the balance between growth and preserving local farms, open spaces, and all that makes Lodi Township unique. 

I also appreciate the dedication of the many residents and volunteers who give their time to township boards, committees, and community organizations. That spirit of service is one of Lodi Township’s greatest strengths. 

One thing that is ready for change is the level of division in township government. Residents deserve leadership that is calm, respectful, and focused on solutions rather than conflict. I look forward to improving communication and returning the focus to effective governance and long-term planning. 

I believe Lodi Township can move forward in a positive way while still honoring the values and traditions that residents care about most.

STN: The Lodi Board has been rife with division and conflict for the past several years. What will you do to bring sides together and return the focus to governing?

Chronis: I do not completely agree with this statement. The Board is made up of citizens of our township that care deeply about what is happening in their community. Sure, there are differences of opinions, but that is to be expected from passionate people. The first step toward reducing conflict is to act with professionalism and respect. People do not have to agree on every issue to work together effectively, but they do need to listen to one another and stay focused on the shared responsibilities of township government. 

My approach would be steady and practical. I would work to ensure meetings are well structured, respectful, and focused on facts, policies, and solutions rather than individual personalities. I believe residents want leaders who can disagree thoughtfully while still moving the township forward. 

My years serving as Chair on the Board of Review and Zoning Board of Appeals have taught me the importance of fairness, patience, and careful decision-making. I have direct experience working through difficult issues while treating people respectfully and keeping the focus on the public interest. 

As Supervisor, I would make collaboration, transparency, and accountability top priorities. The township functions best when elected officials work together professionally and remember that they are there for a common goal, to serve the residents of Lodi Township.   

Wauldron: This is somewhat a loaded question, but the idea is important given the political division nationally. 

I think there are political, philosophical, and personality differences present in our Board, and all other local boards for that matter.  Navigating these differences locally would seem less complex than at a state or national level, but still a challenge.

Difference of opinion is healthy and essential in a democracy.  I ran in 2024 because I saw a lack of diversity or opportunity for new voices to contribute.  It had been a small group of long-time residents, almost exclusively Republican, in charge for too long. I thought new skills, ideas and approaches would be healthy for Lodi.  Healthy, not easy.

2024 saw that change begin.  Though my campaign fell 90 votes short, three new members were elected to trustee positions. Unfortunately, the last year has not always been polite or cooperative and this harms our reputation.  

The Supervisor cannot close these divides or make everyone friends, but they do set the agenda and run the meetings. So, I can work to keep focus on the agenda, keep the discussions productive, arrive at good decisions and encourage a culture of respect.