Latest news with #TinaCottone
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hilliard voters supported incumbents, women in Democratic primary election
Both incumbents are moving on from Hilliard's Democratic primary, but their slate, backed by the Hilliard Democrats, was not as successful. Incumbents Tina Cottone and Andy Teater advanced in the Democratic primary as well as Kathy Parker-Jones, according to unofficial results from the Franklin County Board of Elections. The fourth candidate on their slate, Tony Moog, came in sixth place. Nadia Rasul is the only candidate from the recently formed Hilliard Democrats PAC — no affiliation with the Hilliard Democrats — to move on from the primary after Rasul, Dorothy Hassan and Samer Bazerbashi had an early lead from absentee ballot returns. Just 100 votes separate Rasul and Hassan in the primary. The primary is the first Democrats have held in recent memory in Hilliard, which elected the first Democrat to city council in 2019. Hilliard City Council candidates, from left, Samer Bazerbashi, Tina Cottone, Dorothy Hassan, Tony Moog, Kathy Parker-Jones, Nadia Rasul and Andy Teater participate in a Democratic primary candidate forum hosted by the Hilliard Chamber of Commerce on April 10, 2025, at the Norwich Township Joint Safety Services Building. More results: What are the Ohio primary election results in your county? Here's the rundown Thousands of dollars have been raised for the race, primarily by candidates endorsed by the recently-created PAC. Hilliard Democrats endorsed their slate last fall, before other candidates had decided to file to run. A local group of Republicans sent mailers to voters linking Teater to Donald Trump and labeling him as a 'MAGA patriot.' Teater had been a Republican for most of his life but switched to the Democrats two years ago. He has said he never voted for Trump. The four winners will face three Republicans for four seats on council in November, including incumbent Les Carrier as well as Jim Martin and Bevan Schneck. Carrier was the main funder of the mailers linking Teater to Trump. More: Multiple controversies confuse voters in Hilliard City Council's first Democratic primary Anna Lynn Winfrey covers the western suburbs for the Columbus Dispatch. She can be reached at awinfrey@ This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Who won in the Democratic Hilliard City Council primary?
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
