Hello and Welcome to the Hilliard Beacon Audio Companion #94!
First up we have a series of updates from two Hilliard City Council Members about major decisions both have made related to this election cycle.
Hale, a physician, said while she has loved serving on City Council, it is time “for the next phase of my life.”
Hale said “it was the perfect time” for her to join City Council in 2022 as she was part of bringing the Hilliard Recreation and Wellness campus to fruition.
“I’m excited to see it coming along,” said Hale, adding she “isn’t going anywhere” and will find other ways to remain involved with the city.
Teater said “very few issues” come before Hilliard City Council that have a “Republican” or “Democrat” answer but that he nevertheless changed his affiliation as a result of what has occurred at the national level to the Republican Party.
“In the past, I had always considered myself a moderate Republican and in the future I will probably be considered a moderate Democrat,” said Teater, whose parents are the late Bob Teater, a past Columbus Board of Education member and director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and Dorothy Teater, a past member of Columbus City Council and a Franklin County Commissioner.
“The reason that I am choosing to run as a Democrat is that my values and the issues I care about more closely align with the Democrat party than the current Republican Party,” said Teater, adding that he is a “fierce supporter” of public education and the current GOP promotes policy that does not do so.
Teater also said he believes something can be done to reduce access to automatic weapons used in school shootings and that he is more aligned with the Democrat party views on women’s reproductive rights and LGBTQ rights.
You can catch up with the full, updated story at the link below including a bit more information regarding the candidates as we know them thus far.
Then for the bulk of our discussion…
Breaking News: Defense Contractor Anduril in Ohio
Concerns about autonomous warfare, drone production, and Ohio's increasing defense industry footprint sparked a lively debate.
Local Business Updates: Farewell to Hoagie City
Local favorite sandwich shop Hoagie City has closed its doors, highlighting again the struggles of small businesses amid rising rents and operating costs.
Reflections on the Columbus commercial real estate market and how it pressures single-location shops were shared.
Election Updates: Shifting Dynamics in Hilliard City Council
Filing deadlines are approaching for the May 6th primary election. Four council seats are up for grabs, with significant shifts, including Andy Teater switching parties from Republican to Democrat.
The Beacon reaffirmed its open invitation to all candidates for interviews to discuss their platforms.
Brown Township Fire Levy on the Ballot
A 5.2-mill levy is set for a vote in May, aimed at maintaining fire protection services. Discussions included levy mechanics, costs, and Norwich Township’s role in supporting Brown Township.
Potential Park Renaming for Former Mayor Tim Ward
A proposal to commemorate late Mayor Tim Ward by naming a park in his honor was introduced. His contributions to Hilliard during his 2000-2003 term were celebrated.
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