Latest news with #AndyTeater
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hilliard city council flyer identifies Democrat as ‘MAGA patriot,' confusing voters
HILLIARD, Ohio (WCMH) — A Hilliard City Council campaign flyer successfully left residents confused, igniting debate over political satire and dirty politics. A group of Hilliard Republicans mailed out 2,000 flyers seemingly identifying Democratic candidate Andy Teater as an undercover Republican candidate. Teater, current council vice president, said the mailer was meant to divide and confuse people. The conservative political group behind the mailer said it was meant to spark conversation, and it did. Meet the three candidates running for Columbus City Council's District 7 seat 'After a lifetime of service to the GOP, Andy Teater and his Republican campaign manager Tony Moog have taken on one last mission: to infiltrate and take over the Hilliard Democratic Party from the inside,' the flyer reads. The flyer includes a photo of Teater receiving an award from the Franklin County Republican Party and encourages 'everyone to support this MAGA patriot with your vote in the Democratic Primary for Hilliard City Council.' Teater ran in two council elections and served 12 years on the Hilliard school board as a Republican. However, he said he never voted for Donald Trump and switched parties after he felt his values aligned more closely with Democrats. 'I am a fierce supporter of public schools, and at the state level and the federal level, I feel like public schools are under attack by the Republican Party,' Teater said. 'Even when I was a Republican, I valued women's reproductive rights, I supported stronger laws and more protection for LGBTQ+ and I've also supported reasonable gun laws.' Les Carrier, a Hilliard City Council member, is one of the six Republicans behind the flyer. He spoke with NBC4's Colleen Marshall about the divisive mailer. Whitehall residents rally to take tax breaks for high-end development to citizen vote 'We wanted to highlight the hypocrisy that was going on here and if you think about it, Colleen, that piece brought that out,' Carrier said. Carrier said they made the flyer as political satire. He said it was 'hypocritical' of the Franklin County Democratic Party to endorse Teater after he spent decades as a Republican. Teater, however, said the mailer was 'just disappointing.' 'It's just unfortunate; so often, people are trying to get ahead by dividing people,' Teater said. 'I think nobody wins when we try to divide people or confuse people.' The Ohio Revised Code technically limits false statements in campaign materials, but there is no way to enforce it. The Ohio Supreme Court ruled those state restrictions were unconstitutional in 2016, saying they restricted protected political speech. State law requires false statement complaints to go through the Ohio Election Commission, which is no longer allowed to accept those complaints under the court ruling. Columbus financial social media influencer defrauded investors of $11 million, prosecutors say With no enforceable law, the campaign flyers are left to public debate. 'Oh, it was absolutely — I can't tell you, we think it's political satire,' Carrier said. 'We put it out that way.'. 'It's just disappointing that a piece like that can go out that is only meant to deceive or confuse the public,' Teater said. Both Carrier and Teater are seeking re-election this year, vying for three open city council seats. Teater is one of seven Democratic candidates, four of whom will advance after Tuesday's primary. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Voter Guide: Meet 7 Democrats for Hilliard City Council in May 6 primary
Unlike many other suburbs in Franklin County, Hilliard City Council candidates run in political party-based primaries. After electing the first Democrat to City Council a few years ago, Hilliard voters have the first Democratic primary in recent memory. The two incumbents are Tina Cottone and Andy Teater — he recently changed his party affiliation from Republican. They are joined by five council hopefuls: Samer Bazerbashi, Dorothy Hassan, Tony Moog, Kathy Parker-Jones and Nadia Rasul. Four candidates will advance to face the three Republican candidates who aren't competing in a primary. The seven candidates will contend for the four open spots on Nov. 4. Ohio's primary election is on May 6, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The information below was supplied by candidates responding to a questionnaire. May 6 election: What's on the primary ballot in your central Ohio county? Here's the rundown Age: 44 Campaign website: Key issues: Addressing Cemetery Road traffic congestion, attracting new business to help address tax rates andresidents lead the way in balanced development. Background: Vice president of operations at T-Cetra in Dublin. Small-business leader focused on relationships and solving real needs. Helped grow a Hilliard tech startup into a company serving underserved communities nationwide. An Ohio State finance graduate now stepping into politics, driven by the same mission: pragmatic solutions that put people first. Why are you the best candidate? "I'm stepping into politics precisely because I'm not a politician. I'm a problem-solver who believes government should work as efficiently as the businesses I've helped lead. From supporting local entrepreneurs to providing for the less fortunate, my career has been about opening doors. Now, I'm ready to do that for our municipality — with transparency, grit and the humility to learn from you every step of the way." Campaign website: Key issues: Continuous and repeated community outreach to keep transparency on the forefront as 2023 Community Plan changes are implemented, creative and flexible housing solutions and services for seniors. Background: Bachelor's degree in English from the Ohio State University. Recently retired from a gratifying career in educational publishing. Why are you the best candidate? "As an incumbent, my hands-on experience has prepared me far more than my research prior to serving on council. I've learned that the best work is done quietly and carefully. Good work does not have to be a parade; it can be a quiet walk in the woods. Talking to people in the community, learning from city staff (who are experts at their jobs), elected officials in central Ohio communities and fellow council members is extremely valuable. There is power in asking questions and asking for help. I am in the fourth year of my first term on Hilliard City Council. I added diversity to the council, which was predominantly male (5-2) and Republican (6-1). Since winning my seat on council and the results of the 2023 election, we now have male (3-4) Republicans (2-5). This diversity gives us a balance that better reflects our community. I am currently serving as council president for the year 2025 — the increased responsibilities are allowing me to grow even more with access to more elected officials in central Ohio. I am proud of the work that I have done so far and am running for reelection so that I can continue my work on sustainability, providing services for seniors and growing our community in ways that serve people at all economic levels, especially housing." Age: 46 Campaign website: Key issues: Expanding opportunities for authentic dialogue with residents, smart growth and diverse sustainable housing. Background: Nonprofit executive with a Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership. Adjunct professor and small business owner teaching organizations and individuals how to craft inclusive spaces for diverse individuals. Why are you the best candidate? "I am a results-driven public service leader who understands that community is the outcome. Hilliard residents deserve a leader that understands the privilege and responsibility of public service. I want to plan for the future of Hilliard with the residents, not for them." Age: 58 Campaign website: Key issues: Encouraging community engagement by listening to the citizens and actively seeking their input. Thoughtful development that provides necessary revenue to support the city balanced with the needs and character of the community. Quality of life where everyone has the opportunity to live and thrive. Background: Graduated from Miami University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing and Personnel Management. Currently a customer success manager with AT&T as a member of a sales team, supporting international business accounts. Why are you the best candidate? "For over 36 years, I've called Hilliard home, where my wife and I have raised our two children. I've been a proud Rotarian for 22 years and also served on the board of the Hilliard Education Foundation for eight years. I was president and vice president for both groups, among other leadership positions. Currently, I am in my second year on Hilliard's Planning and Zoning Commission. This experience has provided me with invaluable insights into the vast growth opportunities for our city and the crucial role that City Council plays in facilitating this development. I will use my passion, experience and leadership to continue building on our city's successes to make Hilliard the place all people are excited to live, work and visit." Age: 53 Campaign website: Key issues: Ensuring Hilliard is a connected community, sustainable and strategic in its growth and responsive to the entire community's needs, today and in the future. Background: Dedicated leader with over 30 years of experience in education, including 24 years as a teacher with Hilliard City Schools before transitioning into administration with Dublin City Schools. As the coordinator of digital and personalized learning, she drives innovation and strategic growth in education. Holds degrees from the University of Dayton, The Ohio State University and the American College of Education. Passionate athlete and owner of Balanced Triathlon Training LLC, coaching athletes of all abilities. Why are you the best candidate? "My experience, leadership and deep commitment to Hilliard make me the right candidate for City Council. With over 30 years in education, including 24 years as a teacher in Hilliard City Schools and now as an administrator, I have a proven track record of listening, problem-solving and advocating for our community. Beyond education, I've led and mentored athletes through my business, Balanced Triathlon Training LLC. As a longtime resident and engaged community member, I understand our city's challenges and opportunities. I'm ready to collaborate, think strategically and find practical solutions to help Hilliard thrive." Age: 56 Campaign website: Key issues: Creating safe opportunities to walk and more connected bike-friendly spaces. Addressing current challenges of sustainable growth while preserving Hilliard's charm and character. Creating an open conversation with the residents and City Council. Background: Graduated from The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy and has been a pharmacist in Hilliard for 30 years. Awarded Preceptor of the Year from the Ohio State College of Pharmacy. Served on the Hilliard Recreation and Parks Commission. Currently serves on Hilliard YMCA board. Why are you the best candidate? "I have been living in our home in Hilliard for 36 years, and I have been caring for Hilliard residents as their community pharmacist for 30 years. My four children graduated from Hilliard Davidson High School and Ohio State University. I still volunteer in the Hilliard schools. I have volunteered for 20 years in the senior center, and also with SON ministries (now FESTA). I have served Hilliard in many trusted capacities and now it's time for me to serve my neighbors directly. As a retired pharmacist, I will be spending my time in the neighborhoods listening to my constituents. I will make sure their voices are heard. The Hilliard community has grown and changed exponentially in the past two decades and our City Council should reflect that. I will be the voice for all Hilliard residents, who want to be heard." Age: 63 Campaign website: Key issues: Promoting smart and planned commercial growth to help ease the property tax burden on residents. Continuing to develop a first-class parks and connected trail system. Continuing to assure high-quality development in downtown Hilliard. Background: Currently retired with a degree in economics from The Ohio State University. In eighth year on Hilliard City Council. Served 12 years on the Hilliard City School Board prior to being elected to council. Why are you the best candidate? "The political climate has changed a lot in recent years. This began at the national level but also has affected local government. Now more than ever, we need good, sensible leadership that puts our community's best interests ahead of partisan politics. I believe my 19 years of service demonstrate that I will provide that type of leadership. I love Hilliard and will continue to do what is best for this community." Lawsuit: Noor Islamic center sues Hilliard for discrimination, violation of Constitutional rights Housing: Hilliard City Council approves controversial M/I Homes development in Big Darby area This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Hilliard City Council primary features 7 Democratic candidates
