April 16, 2025 Local Stories in and Around St. Joseph, Illinois

Get to know Lucas Charters

Lucas Charters is running for ST. JOSEPH TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE as a democrat.




Can you please provide some biographical information?
My name is Lucas Charters. My wife and I moved to St. Joseph back in 2015, and in 2020, we bought a house in St. Joseph Township. We have two kids, ages 6 and 8, who go to the local elementary school. I’m a precinct committee member for the Champaign County Democrats. I’ve been a Chicago Cubs fan my whole life—nothing beats a trip to Wrigley Field. And I’m also a diehard Minnesota Vikings fan, so I’m used to some ups and downs!

How would you describe what the township board does to people who don’t know?
The township board makes sure our local resources and tax dollars are used wisely to take care of what really matters for everyone in our community.

What motivated you to run for township board?
After the last election, I realized it was time to stop sitting on the sidelines. National politics get all the attention, but there can also be issues that we can focus on at home. I don’t agree with a lot of decisions being made at the federal level, especially around things like public health and education. I figured, why not step up and help make things better right here in the township.

What are your short-term goals for the township?
If elected, I would want to gauge the pulse of the community and listen to the constituents. I want to know what people care about. Short-term, I’m focused on opening communication, staying accessible, and making sure residents have a way to reach me when they need to.

What are your long-term goals?
Long-term, I just want to make sure St. Joseph stays a great place to live. I’m all about making sure we grow the right ways– smart infrastructure decisions, fixing up roads, and keeping public services solid as we grow.

Where would you like to see the township in ten years?
In 10 years, I see our township as a place that’s grown in all the right ways-where infrastructure is solid, and people are connected. I would love to see more places for people to get together to connect, and where everyone feels like their voice matters in what happens next.

What are the most pressing issues facing the township?
It’s hard to pinpoint pressing issues in the township currently, because there is no communication from the current trustees and supervisor. Decisions are being made about the place where we live, and we are never made aware of it.

Why should people vote for you?
You should vote for me because, just like you, I care about the future of our community and the well-being of families. I want to make sure that my kids grow up in a safe, welcoming place with the resources they need. I will listen to constituents’ concerns, because I’m a parent, a neighbor, and someone who wants to see this township connected, where every voice is heard.

How will you make sure you work for the public and are accessible to your constituents?
Simple: I’m all about transparency. Right now, it feels like everything’s happening behind closed doors. I want to change that. I’ll make sure meeting minutes are available, set up a Facebook page for updates, and always be available by email. You’ll always know what’s going on, and you can reach me whenever you need to.

Banner
Related Posts

5 questions with Republican Caucus candidate Max Painter

December 2, 2024

December 2, 2024

1. What made you want to run? I had initially planned to retire after this term, but I’ve reconsidered due...

Cooper looks to make a difference in Ogden

April 5, 2021

April 5, 2021

Kelly Cooper wants to make a difference in Ogden.  That is why she ran for village board in 2017 and...

Voting information for Consolidated Elections

March 29, 2019

March 29, 2019

You can early vote Saturday, Sunday and Monday at these locations. Brookens Early Voting 1776 East Washington Street, Urbana •...

5 questions with Republican caucus candidate Steven Peters

December 2, 2024

December 2, 2024

1. What made you want to run? I have been a member of this exceptional community for the past 20...

Get to know Scott Perkins

April 1, 2025

April 1, 2025

Scott is running for the St. Joseph Grade School Board. What motivated you to run for school board? I’ve been...

5 Questions with Republican caucus candidate Matt Wolfersberger

December 2, 2024

December 2, 2024

1. What made you want to run? My original plan was to step aside at the end of my term,...

Van Buskirk’s love of St. Joseph inspires service

October 28, 2020

October 28, 2020

Jeff Van Buskirk loves St. Joseph. He loves the people the schools, the parks and the traditions and the local...

Get to know Jim O’Brien

March 12, 2025

March 12, 2025

Jim is running for the St. Joseph Grade School Board. What motivated you to run for school board?  I am...

5 Questions with Republican Caucus candidate Terri Cummings

December 2, 2024

December 2, 2024

What made you want to run?  When my husband and I moved to St Joseph 14 years ago I felt...

Heritage School Board Candidate Surveys

April 1, 2019

April 1, 2019

Three candidates are running for three seats in the Heritage School District Zach Wells Why are you running for school...

SJO School Board Candidate Les Hoveln Q and A

March 30, 2019

March 30, 2019

There are five candidates running for four open seats on the SJO School Board. Why are you running for school...

Cunningham wants to help Homer grow

April 6, 2021

April 6, 2021

Ray Cunningham feels he has unfinished business.  Cunningham is running for reelection as Homer’s mayor on April 6.  “I am...

SJO School Board Candidate David McDermott Q and A

March 30, 2019

March 30, 2019

There are five candidates running for four open seats on the SJO School Board. Why are you running for school...

Early voting information for Champaign County

October 10, 2024

October 10, 2024

In Champaign County you can vote early at a variety of locations. All Early Voting sites are Vote Centers and...

Cummings hopes to continue work as trustee

December 7, 2020

December 7, 2020

Village Trustee Terri Cummings has big goals for the village. Short term, Cummings hopes to contribute to the betterment of...

Comments
Leave a Reply