In this fast moving conversation the Beacon hosted sitting Council members Andy Teater and President Tina Cottone to discuss their latest Democratic primary campaign. (links direct to candidate web pages)
Editor’s Note: Both candidates made clear prior to the April 10th interview they felt that they could not make any statement or answer questions pertaining to the ongoing litigation involving the City and Noor Islamic Cultural Center / Britton Parkway Holdings Inc - referring us to ongoing public minutes and records for the City position.
A partial list of topics covered:
Collaborative Campaigning
Tina and Andy discussed how Democratic candidates in Hilliard have coordinated campaigns since 2019, sharing resources and building coalitions—while still competing for limited council seats.
Aging in Place Initiative
Tina detailed her creation of Home in Hilliard, a nonprofit delivering senior services like home check-ins and light chores —an effort rooted in personal experience and supported by local grants and partnerships.
Housing & Growth
Both candidates acknowledged the ongoing / perpetual challenge of residential development and voter concerns. They expressed interest in continuing to build to diverse housing options while trying to balance affordability, zoning restrictions, and public input.
Transparency & Public Engagement
They addressed the growing need for better communication on development decisions, supporting early outreach and engagement with the process. Andy discussed his decision to transition from Republican to Democrat and these designations relative utility in local politics. Jordan briefly put the spotlight on ideas like neighborhood-based planning with budget participation to boost consistent resident involvement on a full range of issues.
From Mayor to Manager
Teater praised the transition to a city manager system, crediting it with improving efficiency, staff collaboration, and empowered responsiveness at City Hall.
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