Episode Details

In their return visit to The Hilliard Beacon, sitting council members and current candidates Tina Cottone and Andy Teater discussed the evolving landscape of Hilliard’s growth. We touched on Amazon’s proposed on-site fuel cell power generation, the city’s developing community plan and the upcoming search for a new city manager.

Both emphasized a pragmatic, service-oriented approach to leadership: balancing economic development, neighborhood quality of life, and trying to provide transparent governance amid the pressure of rapid transformation.

Topics Covered

On Amazon & Data Centers

At the time of recording (October 9th) Cottone noted that Amazon’s fuel cell proposal was still new to her and all of council, but recognized it as part of a broader trend toward corporate self-sufficiency. Teater noted that Hilliard has likely reached its limit on data centers, saying council’s appetite for new facilities “isn’t great.” He emphasized their benefits to schools and tax bases but acknowledged the city’s ongoing challenges managing noise, power, and land use issues.

On Economic Development and City Services

Teater repeatedly connected industrial and light manufacturing projects to the city’s ability to fund police, parks, and infrastructure. He cited the Wolpert property as a major opportunity in this new stage of commercial growth, provided the developers remain a “good neighbor” to nearby residents.

Community Communication

The group reflected on the public’s frequent frustration over “not being informed,” despite multiple communication channels. The candidates largely agreed on this point, observing that “the more ways people receive communication, the harder it is to get to get to everybody. It all gets diluted.” All pointed to social media’s fragmenting influence, while Jordan argued that - as a maturing city - an organized ward system could institutionalize recurring, place-based engagement and rebuild core civic participation.

City Manager Search

Both candidates said they would keep open minds during the search. Teater expects a strong national pool of candidates, and Cottone praised outgoing manager Michelle Crandall for empowering staff and fostering independent problem-solving. The next manager, they agreed, should “build on what’s already there.”

Aspects of the Community Plan

Cottone expressed excitement about implementing new and broader elements of the city’s community plan, including updates to the 270 corridor and Old Hilliard. On housing, she championed exploring Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and building out support for the new organization Home in Hilliard, a new nonprofit aiding seniors through volunteer services that allow for residents to stay in their homes longer.

We thank the candidates for taking the time amid busy schedules to participate and give Beacon readers and listeners an opportunity to know them and their perspectives on city matters via these interviews. Thank you!

(Music and Production by Tim Hofmann at Franklin Street Creative)

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