PROGRESSIVE PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE WE WANT–  

• The Lodi Township planning and zoning processes should emphasize a commitment to moving toward a more sustainable future.   Our master plan should protect us from unwanted land uses and help us adapt to future challenges.  

• We need to move away from the low-density "sprawl" model of housing and work to create sustainable homes people can actually afford.  

• We must think regionally and become a member of our regional planning authority SEMCOG  (like most of our neighboring townships) to leverage their planning resources and funding opportunities.

TRANSPARENCY, ACCESSIBILITY AND CLEAR COMMUNICATION – 

As an educator I know that information empowers people. Being able to access good information allows us to be better informed citizens and decision makers.  I believe its the responsibility of government to provide easy access to public information.  In that spirit I will propose the following- 

• Stream and record all our public meetings so people can view and participate remotely. 

• Update our Lodi Township website and calendar, our forms and approval processes so our residents and business owners can understand and follow them.  This is critical to maintaining public trust and allows property owners to avoid costly and unnecessary delays. 

• Better utilize Township Hall as a community space and promote public assets. 

PROTECTING OUR RURAL CHARACTER AND ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY -  

As a Lodi resident and land owner I highly value the rural identity and character or our township. Being able to walk or bike down a quiet dirt road and see the stars at night are experiences we value and must protect.  

• I served on the board of a local land conservancy for years and will work with Washtenaw County, Ann Arbor Green Belt and other local organizations to protect our farmlands and enhance natural areas. We'll pursue grants, conservation easements and other sound strategies.  

• I also intend to explore the creation of a Farmland and Open Space Preservation Board similar to the one started recently by Dexter Township.

SUPPORT AND PROMOTE THE AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY -  Whether you are passionate about climate change, water quality, wildlife habitat, animal welfare or just your personal health, these concerns all tie directly to our food systems and farming practices. Michigan has a great farming heritage and agriculture is our second biggest industry, only behind automobiles! Michigan farms produce a wider variety of crops than almost any other state and our farming businesses are vital to our economy and future.  Our farmers work very hard and face huge risks every year, yet most struggle to earn a living. The system is broken and fundamentally unfair to the people that produce our food and fiber. 

I am not a farmer but am good friends with some, and deeply respect the knowledge, hard work and courage required to do what they do.   While agricultural policy is outside the scope of a township board, we are the head cheerleaders for our township and, as supervisor, I plan to be an advocate for our farmers.  To the extent our township administration can, I will support our farmers in exploring models that improve our environment, provide them a more equitable share of the value for their work and create a safer, more secure agricultural economy.