The Hilliard Beacon Podcast

With the latest episode of the HBAC the guys welcome Hilliard Police Chief Michael Woods to the program for a focused conversation on our burgeoning suburb.Community PolicingWoods described community policing as a core operational philosophy beginning at the hiring stage. Officers, he said, are expected to be visible and approachable whether that means walking neighborhood events, interacting with children at city celebrations, teaching self-defense classes or participating in programs like the Citizens Police Academy and Youth Safety Academy. The chief emphasized that officers are encouraged to build relationships before crises occur hoping residents view police as a resource rather than a distant enforcement mechanism. Growth in Population and the Staffing ChallengeThe conversation also explored the realities of policing a rapidly growing suburb. Woods explained that roughly two-thirds of Hilliard’s officers are assigned to patrol functions with specialized units focus on investigations, school resource operations, traffic safety and crime analysis. He discussed how the department uses a newer civilian intelligence analyst to identify crime patterns, analyze digital evidence and direct patrol resources toward emerging trouble spots such as vehicle break-ins and theft clusters. Chief Woods acknowledged ongoing concerns over reckless driving along Interstate 270 and major corridors throughout Hilliard and Norwich Township, noting that the department works jointly with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio State Highway Patrol and neighboring jurisdictions on targeted enforcement operations.As Hilliard continues adding residents and commercial development, Woods said the department is always monitoring and revising staffing projections. A recent recurring analysis determined that four additional officers will likely be needed over the next two years to maintain service levels as areas like TruePointe continue building out for businesses and residents. Woods also detailed the department’s extensive vetting process for lateral hires, emphasizing that prior police experience does not exempt applicants from undergoing the same scrutiny and background review as new recruits. TechnologyTechnology and transparency formed another major thread throughout. The chief discussed the city’s emerging drone first-responder program, describing scenarios where aerial response can help locate missing individuals, assess highway crashes or direct medics to emergency scenes more quickly. He also addressed public concerns surrounding Flock license plate reader cameras, stressing that the system does not use facial recognition and that all searches are logged, audited and publicly reported.The interview concluded with discussion of the district’s threat assessment partnership with Hilliard City Schools. Woods described the initiative as an effort to identify students displaying troubling behavioral patterns and connect families with resources before situations escalate into violence. He framed the program as preventative rather than punitive, centered on intervention, counseling and coordination between schools, police and community support systems. Topics Discussed and approx. timestamps00:00 – 02:00 Introduction of Chief Michael Woods and discussion of a past Hilliard infant death investigation handled by the department. 02:00 – 05:15 Community policing philosophy, officer visibility, Citizens Police Academy, Youth Safety Academy and public outreach programs. 05:15 – 06:40 Discussion of policing culture differences between Hilliard and larger cities like Baltimore. 06:40 – 10:55 Breakdown of department structure, patrol staffing, investigations, school resource officers and the civilian crime analyst role. 11:00 – 13:15 Traffic enforcement strategy, speeding concerns, drag racing complaints and regional coordination on Interstate 270. 13:15 – 16:20 Norwich Township policing contract, jurisdictional boundaries and patrol zone deployment. 16:20 – 19:35 Population growth, staffing studies, future hiring needs and development pressures on police services. 19:35 – 26:50 Lateral hiring, officer vetting, field training and maintaining departmental culture and standards. 26:50 – 30:30 School resource officers, post 2020 policing debates and the “Parks, Passes and Pools” summer initiative. 30:30 – 32:55 Drone first-responder program and examples of emergency deployment scenarios. 32:55 – 36:15 Flock license plate reader cameras, transparency reporting, privacy concerns and investigative uses. 36:15 – 37:30 Mayor’s Court operations and local traffic citation handling. 37:30 – 40:00 Threat assessment partnership with Hilliard City Schools aimed at identifying and assisting at-risk students before violence occurs. The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

All jokes aside…* Milestone episode (No. 150) and recap of recent studio activity, including filming a documentary segment with Nicolette Jaworski on our Data Center reporting. Her team recently produced a documentary short on another Ohio story.* We then kick off the episode proper with the return of local super guest Jake Trubiano!Gold Path Solar* Performance and visibility impact of the Westwood Fieldhouse and Junction solar installations in Hilliard* Recognition as 2025-2026 Ohio Installer of the Year and growth in residential solar business* Sharp shift in demand due to expiration of the 30% residential solar tax credit* Current installation volume, crew structure, and balancing residential vs. commercial workloads* Industry contraction, including major company failures, and resulting surge in his own brand’s service/repair work* Quality control issues in third-party installations (e.g., improper roof attachments/footers)* Internal business model: profit sharing, family and friends-based workforce, and how operational cohesionConditions in the Wider Industry* Importance of early-stage design coordination to optimize solar placement in new construction.* Lack of “solar-ready” considerations in most residential builds despite low implementation cost.* Policy and market tensions: anti-renewable state politics vs. rising electricity prices driving demand.* Tariffs, domestic manufacturing constraints, and disruption of solar supply chains post-Inflation Reduction Act. Fumbling the ball as China accelerates.* Future outlook: increased role of battery storage, grid age concerns, and status of net metering in Ohio.We thank Jake for stopping by and we thank you our listeners!The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

We welcome back Council President Emily Cole this episode for a great conversation on the realities of local governance in our rapidly growing city.Cole, now roughly two and a half years into her first term, described a role full of rewards and demands where meeting preparation alone can range from several hours to well over a dozen depending on the agenda. That workload, she said, is necessary to meet the expectations of residents and appreciate the competing perspectives that inform council decisions. Her approach has emphasized direct engagement, including one-on-one meetings with residents and outreach to former council members to better understand past decisions.Operating within Hilliard’s council-manager form of government, Cole outlined the balance between elected officials and administrative leadership. While council sets policy direction, the city manager handles day-to-day operations, creating both efficiencies and a learning curve for new members navigating how to advance initiatives. As an example, Cole pointed to her early focus on strengthening the city’s nonprofit ecosystem, an effort that led to the creation of a centralized resource network and culminated in the recent “One Hilliard” community resource fair aimed at improving access to services and civic participation.We also touched on a series of local policy debates currently in motion. Cole described an active review of whether to return final authority over certain conditional use permits to the Planning and Zoning Commission, noting that recent data showed council had not altered any of those decisions over the past several years but vowing a thorough review.On public safety and technology, Cole expressed support for Hilliard’s community-oriented policing model while acknowledging ongoing concerns around surveillance tools such as license plate reader systems. She indicated that community awareness and engagement on these technologies remain limited, even as their implications grow more complex. More broadly, she framed her own views on Hilliard’s technology ambitions and development investments through a “people-first” lens, stressing the need for safeguards in our growing city around privacy, mental health, and consumer protection.The growing we do as a community will be central to Hilliard in the coming decades and we thank all members of council for their dedication to public service and the residents of our city.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

Last Week, The Audio Companion sat down with our second congressional interview of the cycle as we spoke to former state representative Adam Miller on his way to the May 5th primary against Don Leonard.https://www.adammillerforamerica.comStill no interest from the Republican side of the conversation as sitting Rep Mike Carey awaits his own primary challenge from the unconventional conservative Samuel Ronan.In the opening minutes of our interview candidate Miller discussed his own career path encompassing public education, the law, and lengthy military service. As a result of that career Miller emphasized he had seen some of the more notable events in our country at national scale and personally played a major role in trying to define and create accountability within those challenging environments.He further took time to call out the shortcomings of the Democratic Party over recent cycles in engagement and issue sets that didn’t speak clearly to local voters or emphasize strongly enough the party’s ongoing commitment to working people post-election.Bright LinesWhether it was service in Afghanistan, the aftermath of the January 6th riots or defining in clear terms the uses of military personnel in the domestic context (disaster response and at the request of civilian authority only) Miller described himself as unafraid to embrace the bright lines of the Constitution when institutional authority and leadership would have preferred “strategic ambiguity.”Miller carried this critique and structure throughout our interview. The former state representative argued that congressional oversight has eroded and been usurped with power increasingly concentrated in the executive branch and insufficiently challenged by lawmakers. Taking a moment for his potential general election opponent he directly highlighted current officeholder Mike Carey’s tendency of avoiding unscripted public interaction and cast even basic accessibility itself as a core campaign issue. More broadly, Miller framed his candidacy as an effort to restore federal leadership balance, calling for renewed hearings, stronger institutional checks, and more direct engagement between elected officials and constituents.Direct PressureThroughout the conversation, Miller returned to this idea: institutions only function when individuals inside them are willing to enforce their limits. Whether in a school district, a legal case, or a combat zone, he argued that the rule of law depends less on prefered rhetoric than on the willingness to stand for it under direct pressure. For voters in the OH-15 primary, the question he posed was straightforward. Not just who aligns on policy, but who has demonstrated the capacity to hold the line when it matters.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

On the latest episode of the Audio Companion Jordan and Tim sit down with guests Katie Bondy and Jeff Sanderson for a conversation that (pardon my dad joke) moved well beyond the touchlines. Centered on the Greater Ohio Amputee Soccer Team, the discussion arrives during Limb Loss Awareness Month and offered us a timely look at a sport and community on the rise.Bondy, a teacher at Hilliard Darby is a Forward and member of the U.S. women’s amputee national team, described a game built on constant adaptation. Field players compete without prosthetics, relying instead on crutches, spatial awareness, and a refined sense of positioning. Sanderson, now head coach of the program, emphasized that traditional soccer technique doesn’t disappear so much as it evolves. Coaching becomes highly individualized, often involving collaboration with physical therapists to tailor movement and mechanics to each player’s specific capabilities.Click on the Instagram link above to hear it straight from Katie!What emerges on the field is just another vision of the ‘Beautiful Game.’ Players learn from one another across languages and backgrounds, with teammates from Sierra Leone, Haiti, and the United States finding common ground in what Bondy called the “language of soccer.” The result is a fast, technical style where anticipation and ball movement often outpace even able-bodied competition. The conversation also covers the sport’s rapid growth, driven in part by social media visibility and a shift in perception. For many players, amputee soccer offers something rare: a level playing field where difference is normalized rather than singled out. As the team prepares for upcoming outdoor training sessions and continues building toward larger competitions, the tone remains grounded but optimistic. In Hilliard and beyond, this is a program demonstrating community and competitive drive at the highest levels.Thanks Katie and Jeff! Good luck on the World Stage! You make Hilliard proud!The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

«This Episode was recorded March 20th - The day after Hilliard’s punishing windstorm and the afternoon of the public Ohio EPA meeting at The Well»Welcome everyone! Our show opens with a look at the aftermath of high winds ripping across Hilliard leaving behind scattered damage but a quick community response. Tim shares what he’s seeing on the ground in the roofing and siding business, with homeowners dealing with missing shingles, hanging siding, and a wave of insurance claims that are getting harder to push through. Kevin adds reporting from the city side, where crews worked hard clearing fallen trees and keeping critical infrastructure like lift stations running. The overall picture is getting familiar for Ohio: rough weather, but a solid local response.From there, we shift to township government, where Trish Barker has been appointed to fill a township trustee seat after a fast-moving selection process. With three new trustees now in place, the group discusses what this turnover could mean for decision-making in the township. Early issues like the recurring Ridgewood neighborhood parking problems, long-range sidewalk planning, and the upcoming Big Darby Accord review are already on the table. While much of the administrative structure remains steady, there’s a sense that the tone and direction of leadership could be evolving.In our final stretch Jordan digs into a regional concern: how energy projects are being approved across Ohio. There’s a sharpening double standard in matters like a proposed solar project in Morrow County that’s faced preposterous resistance and our very own fossil fuel-backed hyperscale data center in Hilliard that’s setting records for quick approvals of unproven technology. With an Ohio EPA appeal already in process and a related meeting on deck, The Beacon asks how these decisions are really being made and who they ultimately serve.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

Kevin Corvo leads the first segment with an update on the Norwich Township trustee appointment process. The position drew 13 candidates and was very fast moving. Looking forward and back this conversation took place a few days before the interviews and we now know their outcome.Corvo highlights the importance of the appointment, since (Barker) will serve for nearly two years. He also notes that this moment marks a shift from the past, when trustees often held their positions for decades. With new leadership coming in, the township faces major decisions as it deals with development pressure and regional planning issues like the Big Darby Accord.Jordan then shifts to a report from the Hilliard Housing Commission meeting (Mar. 5), offering a closer look at how the city is planning for growth. The commission is currently working through its strategy phase, reviewing possible zoning updates in areas like the I-270 corridor, Cemetery Road, Retired Rail Corridor and Old Hilliard. While the proposals allow for more housing types and greater density, Jordan notes that some officials pointed out these options have technically existed for years without being widely used. The main issue is not just zoning rules but how to turn those rules into real projects. He suggests the city needs stronger partnerships with builders and financing groups, along with clear, repeatable models for development. Topics like accessory dwelling units, backyard building, and land trust models were discussed as possible / popular paths forward.Tim leads the third segment with a report from the AEP, Bloom Energy, and Amazon fuel cell meeting held at The Well. (Click image to read a full story in the Ohio Capital Journal)Attendees moved between information stations instead of watching a formal, unified presentation and representatives from all participating organizations spent time answering questions in small settings. Tim notes that the back and forth was sharp with community members remaining skeptical, viewing the event as more informational than decision-making. Concerns remain centered about how quickly the project is moving and how much input the public can still have. Tim adds that local fire officials had not yet seen detailed plans, which raised further questions about communication.In the final news segment, Kevin returns to discuss a new anonymous tip related to the Heather Ernst case.The case involved the theft of public funds from the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. The document suggests that some parts of the situation may not have been fully investigated or shared with the public at the time. Corvo explains that much of the information matches what is already known, but the tip raises questions about how the case was handled and whether more could have been done. The guys approach the claims carefully and note that further reporting would be needed to confirm any new details.The episode closes with a direct appeal to our nearly two thousand free subscribers to join the brave 140(ish) paid subscribers of the Hilliard Beacon. It’s their direct support paired with our mulish dedication to the principles of local journalism that has gotten us this far over three years. Help us go the distance with a paid subscription of $5 a month or $55 a year.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

Editor- Just so readers are aware, we are reaching out to all candidates for the seat and offering equal timeIn a first for us, a Democratic primary challenger for Ohio’s 15th Congressional District, Don Leonard, joined the Hilliard Beacon Audio Companion for a wide-ranging discussion of economic inequality, foreign policy, and the motivations behind his campaign for Congress. Leonard, who taught on the city and regional planning faculty at Ohio State, framed his candidacy as emerging from years of research into governance and inequality. “I’m not a career politician. I’m not a lawyer or a lobbyist or anything like that,” Leonard said, describing a decade of academic work focused on why some political systems drift toward authoritarianism while others maintain stable democratic institutions. Leonard traced the intellectual roots of his campaign to the political shock of the 2016 election and the comparative research he had conducted across Latin America. Drawing on work in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, he argued that economic structure (particularly the strength of the middle class) plays a decisive role in the health of democratic systems. “The stronger your middle class, the less likely authoritarians are to succeed,” Leonard said, linking the rise of populist politics in the United States to growing inequality and decades of bipartisan economic consensus around trade and privatization. The candidate said his decision to move from research into electoral politics came more recently, citing what he views as escalating institutional pressures during the Trump era. Specifically, Leonard pointed to attacks on universities, immigration enforcement policies, and political rhetoric he believes threatens Constitutional norms in an ongoing way. He described a moment of personal reckoning after the birth of his daughter and the realization she might live to see the next century. Don said he felt the erosion of important civic “firewalls” threatened that future and made him feel compelled to act politically rather than solely as an academic observer.Foreign policy and campaign financing also emerged as defining issues in the interview. Leonard said he would support halting U.S. offensive weapons exports to Israel during ongoing military operations in Gaza and pledged independence from pro-Israel lobbying groups. When asked about accepting funding tied to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Leonard responded directly: “We would never accept money from AIPAC.” In order to get money out of politics Leonard is not afraid to suggest a Constitutional Amendment (among other regulatory measures) to publicly finance elections. The discussion closed with broader reflections on the ideological pressures shaping both parties and the challenge of building a coalition of politicians and appropriate government “technology” capable of reversing the conditions Leonard believes are fueling economic inequality and political instability in the United States today.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

Trustee Rick Tidd Resigns; Appointment Process Underway* View the full application / guidelines page HEREBig Darby Accord Revision Enters Public Phase* View the full Draft of the updated Accord HERERidgewood Parking Restrictions Rescinded* Decision came after improper public meeting rules. Read our original 2024 story HERE and read the latest HEREBeacon Elementary Construction - Early ImpactsBeacon Expands Coverage to Congressional Race* The Beacon is in conversations to interview Don Leonard, congressional primary candidate for Hilliard district (OH-15) We will be extending an identical offer to opponent Adam Miller and incumbent Republican Mike Carey.‘500 Tabs’ Sneak Peek* Jordan can’t let a good story go but Apple has decided 500 open tabs in a single group is the limit. Instead of declaring ‘browser bankruptcy’ and wiping the slate he’s decided to slow down the info avalanche, power through the backlog and share the work.* https://archive.ph/RyHKB ‘Musk’s Twitter investors have lost billions in value’As recently as end of year 2024, X valuations had experienced a 79% markdown to less than 20% of its forty-four billion purchase price. Since 2025 internal restructuring and the paper acquisition by his own highly speculative xAI product, those valuations have rebounded despite lower revenues across the board - somehow - to almost exactly forty-four billion dollars.* Is Elon’s X worth every penny “he” paid or is this yet another case of financial speculation outrunning common sense to make sure the system just keeps chugging for elite capital?The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

As we experience the shifting pace of life here in Hilliard we give consideration to the pressing issues of the day and the pacing issues that will determine our shared future. The last few weeks have provided example after example of that kaleidoscopic effect; whether it be another historic snowfall for Ohioans, a new school groundbreaking or iterating a twenty-five year housing plan. This week Jordan, Tim and Kevin do their best to catch back up!Discussion Outline* Historic snowfall and extended school cancellations* Dedication of the new land trust home at 3474 BryantHilliard’s Housing Steering Committee’s most recent meeting (2/5)* City manager selection of Josh Rauch (Riverside)Structure and contract details of the new city manager* Hilliard Development Corporation (HDC) meeting observationsInnovation grants and tech-forward development strategyHotel bed tax allocation and long-term ROI questions* Beacon Elementary groundbreaking and demolition of the legacy building* Amazon data center fuel cell meeting (March 5 at The Well)Hydrogen, frack gas, and on-site generation concerns* Warehouse / Studio fire response and first responder performanceNearly 3 years into our existence as the Hilliard Beacon the city Kevin reported on for decades has changed considerably, but it has always been changing.By 2050, the physical form of Hilliard will reflect choices being debated today - about land, ownership structures, density, capital flows, and energy.The Beacon continues to document not just what is happening but what kind of city is being constructed in the process.Join us today with either a free or paid subscriptionThe Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

On the latest edition of the HBAC we were really pleased to welcome Exec. Director and lifelong Hilliard resident Samantha Brill for a long overdue visit to the studio!Destination Hilliard, the nonprofit organization charged with promoting tourism, is increasingly positioning its work not only around attracting visitors but also around helping existing residents engage more fully with the city’s growing slate of events, businesses and amenities.The organization operates independently while coordinating closely with city government.While its formal role centers on tourism, Brill emphasized that its work frequently overlaps with resident engagement.“Destination Hilliard promotes things that serve our city’s visitors,” she said, but many of those same efforts also connect residents with local events and businesses.Website, social media serve residents seeking local activitiesBrill said one of Destination Hilliard’s most widely used tools is its website, redesigned over the past year to function as a centralized information source for both visitors and residents.“We just launched a new site over the past year… so that it’s a one-stop shop,” she said. “If you are coming to Hilliard or if you live in Hilliard and you’re looking for something to do, you can find everything you want there.”The organization’s weekly event listings on social media have also become a primary way residents learn about local activities.“In fact, one of our most successful posts is our weekly graphic… People want to know what there is to do,” Brill said.Destination Hilliard also organizes and supports community events intended to draw participation from residents while showcasing local businesses.Events bring visitors while supporting local businessesAt the same time, Destination Hilliard continues its core work of recruiting regional events that bring outside visitors and additional spending into the city.One example is the Ohio Coffee Festival, which relocated to Hilliard after losing its previous venue.“I had heard through the grapevine that they were looking for a place… It just seemed like the perfect fit,” Brill said.The event now draws approximately 11,000 people to Hilliard over a single weekend.“And not only is it an event that brings in 11,000 people, it’s a demographic that tends to actually explore Hilliard too.”Visitors often extend their stay beyond the event itself, benefiting local restaurants, retail shops and other businesses.Visitor attraction supports broader economic baseBrill said attracting visitors from outside the immediate area produces measurable economic returns.“When people come to Hilliard, they spend, I can’t remember the exact amount, but it’s something like 50 to $100,” she said. “When they come from outside of 50 miles, that goes up by at least $50.”Such visitors are also more likely to stay overnight, increasing demand for lodging.Six hotels currently operate near Interstate 270, with additional development planned.“In Q3 of this year, there will be another hotel at True Point,” Brill said.Tourism strategy tied to resident experience and city growthBrill said Destination Hilliard’s work ultimately serves both of her primary audiences: attracting visitors while helping residents experience the full range of amenities available within their own city.By promoting events, supporting businesses and expanding access to information, the organization’s efforts contribute both to Hilliard’s economic development and to the daily experience of those who call it home.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

As Hilliard faces fast-approaching deadlines tied to state and federal permitting for the proposed Amazon data center along Scioto-Darby Road, local advocates Paul Lambert and Cathy Cowan-Becker joined the us to outline the rapidly escalating number of changes affecting community interests, state-level legislation, and the energy demands of hyperscale data infrastructure.The immediate concern centers on a pending Ohio EPA air permit that would authorize approximately 150 Tier 2 diesel generators at the Hilliard site. The draft permit, now open for public comment, has heightened fears about air quality, particulate pollution, and the proximity of large-scale industrial equipment to homes, schools, and parks.A Regional PatternCowan-Becker emphasized that Hilliard is far from alone. Across Central Ohio, municipalities and townships are increasingly moving to slow or halt data center development altogether.Within the past several months, Jerome Township enacted a nine-month moratorium on data centers, while Washington Township adopted a 90-day pause and urged Dublin to follow suit. In Dublin, resident opposition has delayed plans in the West Innovation District, with the most recent proposal scheduled for January discussion excluding data centers entirely. Further south, South Bloomfield and Ashville approved a six-month moratorium, and in Wilmington, a proposed Amazon facility has generated enough resistance to table a planning vote amid organized community opposition.While these actions do not permanently block projects, both guests noted that they buy time for residents to organize, educate themselves, and signal political resistance which is sometimes enough to cause developers to abandon sites altogether.Federal Retreat, Local Accountability?The discussion also addressed recent announcements by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which has stated it will no longer weigh human health impacts (so-called “externalities”) as heavily when evaluating regulations, instead focusing primarily on economic effects to industry.Cowan-Becker explained that while this shift weakens federal oversight, it increases the importance of local decision-making, where elected officials remain directly accountable to residents.However, both guests warned that state law increasingly limits local control.HB 15 and “Behind-the-Meter” PowerMuch of that constraint stems from House Bill 15, which allows large energy users (explicitly including data centers) to build private, behind-the-meter power generation without meaningful local review.According to Cowan-Becker, this effectively guarantees that approving a data center also approves a fossil-fuel power plant next to it:“If you approve a data center, you are approving a gas plant to go next to that data center… There will be no public hearing. Your residents won’t even know about it.”In Hilliard’s case, that generation would likely rely on natural gas, supplemented by extensive diesel backup systems. These back-ups are chosen not for environmental performance, but for speed and reliability.Density Mismatch for RenewablesPaul’s background in previous eras of these sites helped to detail the sheer magnitude of energy consumption driving these decisions. Based on Amazon’s own permit filings, the Scioto-Darby site would support roughly 400 megawatts of load, derived from 148 diesel generators averaging 2.5 megawatts each.“They wouldn’t put in 400 megawatts of generators if they didn’t have a 400 megawatt load planned for the site.”While the table are largely fans of renewable energy, Paul explained that powering such a facility exclusively with more environmentally friendly generation would require millions of solar panels covering dozens of square miles, or hundreds of wind turbines spread across a comparable footprint. By default, the density of demand leaves fossil fuels as the only option under current policy.Jordan points out the fundamental mismatch between renewable energy and hyperscale data centers should not be read as an indictment of renewables but rather as evidence of how extreme and historically anomalous the data center use case has become with renewables aligning more naturally with human-scale demand. “The fact that it’s not up to this crazy use case isn’t a damning statement on renewable energy. It’s more a damning statement on the crazy use case, I think.” Speculation, Finance, and the AI Gold RushBeyond local land use and pollution concerns, Lambert framed data centers as part of a broader speculative cycle tied to AI and financial markets. He likened the current build-out to historical investment bubbles, where capital chases perceived inevitability faster than underlying economics can justify.“There’s always a snake oil salesman that shows up and says, ‘I know how to take your money.’”Lambert described a layered ecosystem of owner-operators, co-location developers, and pure land speculators, warning that many participants at the lower end may never realize sustainable returns once energy, water, and infrastructure constraints collide with the pace of technological change.Environmental and Climate ConsequencesCowan-Becker closed by connecting Ohio’s data center boom to broader fossil-fuel expansion, including renewed fracking on public lands. She cited methane leakage throughout the gas supply chain and massive water consumption per well, arguing that data-center-driven gas demand driving fracking is incompatible with climate commitments.“If these are powered by fossil fuels… it’s derailing our chance of rescuing a livable climate.”What Comes NextWith public comment deadlines looming and state law limiting municipal authority, both guests urged residents to remain engaged at the local level, where community engagement has already altered outcomes elsewhere in Ohio.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

For our first fresh Audio Companion of the new year we featured an in-depth conversation with Annette Singh, a Hilliard resident who has emerged as a leading local advocate around the environmental and governance implications of Amazon’s expanding data center footprint on Scioto Darby Road. Singh described how a neighbor-to-neighbor conversation in October quickly escalated into sustained civic engagement, legal appeals, and coordination with city officials over air permits and on-site power generation plans.Originally, residents understood the Amazon facility as a conventional grid-connected data center, but later learned that plans included extensive behind-the-meter power generation, including 228 natural gas fuel cells and a subsequent draft permit for diesel generators. Annette described the process as opaque and fast-moving, noting that “the deeper you dig, the less information is known,” with overlapping authority and initiative shared among Amazon, AEP, PJM, the Ohio EPA, and the Ohio Power Siting Board.A major concern raised in the discussion was the revelation that projects exceeding 50 megawatts fall under the jurisdiction of the Ohio Power Siting Board, effectively removing local veto power. Singh characterized this as a consequence of state law like HB15, saying, “the more power you ask for, you just usurp local government,” particularly for facilities located near homes, schools, and public parks. She emphasized that while she understands the need for data infrastructure, the addition of large-scale on-site generation fundamentally changes the nature and impact of the facility.Singh also detailed her role in appealing the fuel cell air permit and monitoring the newer draft permit for diesel generators, which she said would be regulated under a Title V air permit. She described Title V as a significant threshold, stating that it applies when emissions are high enough that “the government needs [to] step in” and require ongoing monitoring.Particular concern was raised about the lack of a clear (and potentially outdated) definition of “emergency use” for diesel generators and the absence of enforceable penalties if runtime limits are exceeded.Citizen Advocacy, Public Hearings, and Technology StandardsDuring the interview, Singh outlined how a small working group of residents has divided research responsibilities, with her focus on EPA air quality standards and permitting frameworks. She confirmed that both she and the City of Hilliard are parties to the appeal of the fuel cell permit, while the diesel generator permit remains in draft form before the Ohio EPA.ResourcesSingh said the group has mailed letters requesting a public hearing on the diesel generator permit, explaining that such hearings are not automatic and must be explicitly requested by the public. She expressed concern that the generators proposed are Tier II technology, which she described as outdated, and questioned why Tier IV generator offering significantly reduced emissions were not required instead. “I think a win would be getting these to a tier four level,” she said, adding that such a change would benefit both the community and the company.Ward-Based Representation and Ongoing Civic EngagementJordan (as usual ;-) turned to the broader question of how Hilliard residents can engage more consistently and effectively with city government as large-scale projects accelerate. The current ad hoc model (where residents organize rapidly around individual issues) is insufficient for a city now hosting multinational corporate developments. He called for “an ongoing engaged ward system where there are recurring meetings for geographic areas of the city,” describing such a system as a way to ensure sustained, city-sanctioned civic participation rather than temporary issue-specific mobilization.Annette described herself as having become civically engaged only in recent months, and said the experience highlighted how high the barriers to participation can feel for residents balancing work and family responsibilities. She emphasized the value of accessible forums that lower the threshold for being heard, noting that many residents simply do not know where to raise concerns until a problem becomes urgent.All agreed that more structured, ongoing neighborhood-level engagement could help residents share information earlier, reduce isolation, and better prepare communities to respond to complex projects as they arise.We hope you enjoy our ongoing coverage of the city of Hilliard. The podcast is produced by Tim Hofmann for Franklin Street StudiosThe Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

We pass the torch to 2026 and recommit to our mission: keeping you reliably informed about the dynamic city of Hilliard!David Letterman Style…here are our TOP 10 stories of the year by view count!Number 10https://hilliardbeacon.substack.com/p/new-shared-use-path-on-dublin-roadNumber 9Number 8Number 7Number 6https://hilliardbeacon.substack.com/p/hilliard-city-council-will-appealNumber 5https://hilliardbeacon.substack.com/p/amazons-power-play-ohio-revised-codeNumber 4Number 3Number 2Number 1The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

(Music and Production by Tim Hofmann for Franklin Street Creative)Folks, we’re back. Been a minute…sorry about it! In the latest episode of the Hilliard Beacon Audio Companion we opened with a community-wide call to action centered on Hilliard Food Pantry Plus. Hosts Jordan, Tim, and Kevin Corvo highlighted a now concluded December drive at the UALC Mill Run Campus and emphasized that ongoing monetary donations are especially impactful, as funds can be multiplied through Mid-Ohio Food Bank partnerships. We hope our quick plug emphasized the expanding role of the pantry, which provides not only food assistance but also critical access to additional community resources.Community Care Overcomes Toy RuinOn another front of the giving season, a significant portion of the conversation had to focus on an unexpected setback for the Norwich Township Fire Department: a sewage pipe failure at the firehouse that destroyed approximately $30,000 worth of toys intended for holiday distribution. Fire Chief Dave Baird explained that contamination required all stored toys to be discarded, leaving the department scrambling to replace them just days before scheduled deliveries to Hilliard Food Pantry Plus. While insurance claims are underway, the timing gap prompted urgent community appeals, with local businesses, schools, and residents responding through new toy drives and donations to ensure children don’t go without gifts this season.Trustees-elect Brian Rothenberg and Kelli Arthur Hykes addressed questions around public funding and insurance, clarifying that township trustees lack immediate authority to make charitable disbursements without state and county approvals. Instead, they noted that insurance reimbursements for the destroyed toys are expected to be donated to the pantry after the claims process concludes, effectively shifting those funds to future support. The immediate priority, they said, was in bridging the short-term gap through community generosity to serve up to 1,000 families relying on the program. Immediate crisis averted we moved into…Amazon Fuel Cell DiscussionGiven the confluence of guests at the table the episode widened considerably. First we asked about preparations for Amazon’s proposed fuel-cell-powered data center and the strain of rapid growth on local fire and emergency services. Chief Baird described the department’s efforts to educate itself on emerging technologies not yet addressed in existing fire codes, while township leaders (and concerned residents) have stressed the importance of transparency, interagency coordination, and resident engagement.https://www.nbc4i.com/video/hilliard-residents-raise-concern-over-fuel-cell-addition-to-data-center/11208053Sutphen Strike and the Municipal Cost of Monopoly on Fire SafetyLastly we turned to the ongoing labor dispute at Sutphen Corporation, a major manufacturer of firefighting apparatus, and its downstream effects on local governments. The table discussed how private equity consolidation in the larger fire truck industry has contributed to rising costs, longer delivery timelines, and reduced competition, while the current strike (tied largely to two-tier wage and benefit structures dating back to the 2007–08 downturn, according to Rothenberg) has left workers without health care since May. The discussion framed the dispute as both a labor and public-interest (even national security) issue, arguing that antitrust enforcement and more deliberate procurement policies are increasingly necessary to protect workers, municipalities, and emergency response readiness.You can learn more about this pressing issue by reading the full piece which inspired the conversation here:Thanks for listening to the HBAC - we’ll be back sometime around the Holiday break to take you through our annual most read (or listened to!) stories of the year!The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest episode of the HBAC, the hosts sat down to unpack the results of Hilliard’s most consequential local election in years, discuss the future of city leadership, and close out another election season of community coverage.A Historic Sweep for Hilliard DemocratsCorvo opened with final election results confirming a clean sweep for Democratic candidates in the Hilliard City Council race, cementing complete party control of all seven seats for the first time in city history.* Top vote-getters: Nadia Rasul led the field with 5,537 votes, followed by Andy Teater, Kathy Parker-Jones, and Tina Cottone.* Republican candidates trailed significantly, with Bevan Schneck as the top GOP finisher at 3,430 votes.Kevin reflected on how rapid demographic and political shifts transformed Hilliard’s council makeup. In 2019, Cynthia Vermillion became the city’s first Democrat on council in three decades; just six years later, the party holds every seat. Tim wondered whether the sweep was driven by new Democratic voters moving into the area or by lower Republican turnout.The guys also noted that public skepticism toward further data center development (and council’s recent appeal of Amazon’s proposed fuel cell facility with the Ohio EPA) did not appear to hurt candidates who took strong stances against unchecked expansion.Turnover in Norwich TownshipShifting the review, the guys went into the Norwich Township trustee race, where both incumbents Sonny Cantrell and Greg Young were unseated by Kelli Arthur Hykes and Brian Rothenberg. Corvo credited the challengers’ extensive community engagement and coalition-building, including outreach to Hilliard’s growing Muslim community through events at the Noor Islamic Cultural Center.Jordan frames the overall outcome as part of a broader “new tent” moment for local Democrats. If developed, an organizational consolidation could shape both township and city priorities for years to come.The Next City Manager: Defining the Role and the SearchWith council now settled, attention turns to selecting Hilliard’s next city manager. The city retained Raftelis, a national executive search firm specializing in municipal management and public sector leadership.The job posting describes Hilliard as a “financially stable, innovative” community seeking a visionary leader at a “pivotal moment” in its growth. The position offers a salary range of $210,000–$275,000, up from prior compensation under outgoing manager Michelle Crandall.Requirements include at least seven years of local government experience, with a master’s degree preferred. Residency within Hilliard is “preferred but not required,” a change from the prior search process.Despite a little concern over the posting (calling it “a little Melba toast” but fair) The crew recalled the emphasis from candidates that the next manager will need to build consensus. That consensus will have to cohere across a now single-party council while still navigating ongoing development, infrastructure, and corporate pressure points.Looking AheadIn closingthe guys reflected on the end of another election cycle and looked ahead to 2026:* Some optimism that the newly elected council will “connect more clearly with residents” and bring renewed accountability to city governance - maybe even ward representation.* Speculated on the scale of interest in the city manager role with Jordan on the low end at 7 and Corvo suggesting 30 applicants.Another year in the books around election season - look forward to some more interviews throughout the final months of 2025 with some slowdowns and brief interludes around the holidays. Thanks again for supporting us and we look forward to continuing our service to you all in 2026.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.(Music and Production by Tim Hofmann at Franklin Street Studios) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

City Updates and Meeting HighlightsWe opened this episode with an update on several city developments discussed in the latest Hilliard Happening newsletter and recent council meetings.* Local Heroes Recognized: Four Darby High School and Tolles Career Center students (Future potential first responders Dylan Shields, Luke Self, Logan Faulkner, and Seth French) were honored by City Council for providing emergency aid to a semi-truck driver who suffered a medical episode.* City Manager Search: The formal search for Hilliard’s next city manager is underway. The city has partnered with the national firm Raftelis to lead recruitment. Applications are open with the first review set for December 1. Virtual interviews will follow, with finalists participating in a public reception in February. A new city manager is expected by spring 2026.* Tim Ward Memorial: In a nice concluding chapter, City Council and family dedicated a commemorative stone at First Responders Park in honor of former Mayor Tim Ward, recognizing his years of service to Hilliard.* Upcoming Meetings:* Housing Steering Committee – Thursday, Nov. 6, 6 p.m. (story to come)meetings take place at City Council chambers, 3800 Municipal Way.* EPA Fuel Cell Permit Appeal: Council voted unanimously to appeal the Ohio EPA’s approval of fuel cells at the Amazon data center on Scioto Darby Road. The city will retain specialized environmental counsel as it challenges the permit.Feature Interview: Cathy Cowan Becker on HB 15, Fuel Cells, and Citizen AdvocacyGuest Cathy Cowan Becker, co-founder of Save Ohio Parks and longtime environmental organizer, joined the program to help explain how recent state legislation enabled the fast-tracking of the Amazon fuel cell project and what it reveals about Ohio’s shifting energy policy.Legislative BackgroundCathy outlined the problematic House Bill 15, a sweeping energy reform bill passed earlier this year. The legislation repealed some provisions from the corrupt 2019 HB 6 but introduced new measures that compress Ohio Power Siting Board timelines. The new guidance cutting typical multi-year reviews to as few as 45 to 60 days for projects located on land owned by the applicant.While framed as “energy neutral,” the bill’s language created an expedited path for natural gas-powered facilities serving private users such as data centers. These “behind-the-meter” projects are exempt from many forms of local review or public hearing. In Hilliard’s case, this mechanism allowed Amazon’s 73-megawatt fuel cell plant to move through the approval process with little notice to residents.Cowan Becker and the City of Hilliard were the only two entities to file formal objections before the project’s automatic approval in September.Fracked Gas and GreenwashingThe discussion explored how solid oxide fuel cells often touted as “clean” or “renewable” in this context rely on fracked natural gas, not hydrogen. Although such fuel cells produce fewer particulates than traditional combustion, they still emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide.According to Cowan Becker’s analysis of manufacturer data, emissions from the full installation could exceed a million tons of CO₂, undercutting Hilliard’s voter-approved renewable energy aggregation program.She described the HB 15 language as a form of “greenwashing”: presenting fossil fuel infrastructure as a sustainable technology through neutral or misleading terminology.Statehouse and Grassroots ActionCathy outlined how her group tracks state legislation through committee email alerts and rulemaking notices which are often buried deep in agency communications. Save Ohio Parks, founded in response to mandated fracking on public lands, now monitors bills and encourages public comment or testimony at both the Statehouse and regulatory levels.The organization is also supporting a new proposal to ban fracking in state parks and pushing for greater transparency in siting board decisions.Paths Toward Positive ReformDespite criticism of HB 15, Cowan Becker pointed to constructive models emerging in Ohio:* Municipal and community-owned utilities (as seen in Westerville and Columbus) can lead local renewable adoption.* HB 303, currently in committee, would enable community solar pilot projects that could allow residents to invest in shared solar installations and receive virtual net metering credits even if their own roofs aren’t suitable.* Expanded virtual net metering could eventually allow large users like data centers to offset their electricity demand through offsite solar generation rather than gas-powered “fuel cells.”Advocacy RootsCowan Becker’s environmental activism began in 2014 when Ohio lawmakers attempted to repeal the state’s renewable standards. She led the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 campaign, which helped Columbus adopt the Midwest’s largest clean-energy aggregation program in 2020. That success encouraged suburbs including Hilliard, Grove City, and Worthington to follow suit with local renewable aggregation efforts that save residents money and cut emissions.Stay Connected…Hilliard’s unanimous Council appeal of the Amazon fuel cell permit may mark the first local test of Ohio’s accelerated siting authority under HB 15.The Beacon will continue to follow the city’s legal appeal and upcoming legislation.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

Hilliard City Council Democratic candidate Nadia Rasul returned to the Beacon studio to reflect on a campaign she described as humbling and energetic. Rasul, who previously ran in the spring primary, shared stories from the campaign trail, her focus on community inclusion, and her views on Hilliard’s growth and governance.Listening at the DoorRasul said most residents express overall satisfaction with their neighborhoods, citing strong community ties and affordability. Common frustrations include traffic congestion and a need for better recreation facilities. Anecdotally, one resident lamented a perceived shortage of baseball fields and another wished the city’s WELL Center included an indoor track.But Rasul also noted disparities: some apartment dwellers she met struggle with rising rents and disability care, highlighting the city’s need for income-based housing and stronger social connections.Seeing Hidden NeedsRasul participated in Columbus Foundation sponsored “Big Table” discussions at the Hilliard Library and YMCA, where she learned about local homelessness and food insecurity. She advocated compiling a “community passport” listing free resources, food pantries, and ESL programs so newcomers and residents in need can easily find help.Building a Grassroots CampaignRasul’s volunteer-driven campaign produced 5,700 handwritten postcards, a personal approach she believes helps residents feel directly connected. She credited young volunteers (including local high-school students who registered family members to vote) for keeping the campaign focused on the future.Platform: Connecting HilliardHer central theme: “community connector.” Rasul wants to bridge divides among neighborhoods, cultural groups, and faith communities. She cited a recent dinner she organized at Hilliard United Methodist Church, where she cooked a traditional Palestinian dish, maqluba, as a small example of using food to bring people together.Civic Inclusion and RepresentationThe Noor Islamic Cultural Center hosted its first-ever candidate night this season which was a milestone for civic participation within Hilliard’s Muslim community. She said inviting Norwich Township trustees to the forum was her suggestion, underscoring her belief that every layer of local government should interact.In a win for Jordan, (emphasis Jordan’s -ed) Rasul endorsed the idea of ward-based representation to strengthen communication between residents and city officials. “We cannot expect everyone to come to us…we have to go to them,” she said, adding that small, recurring neighborhood meetings would help prevent residents from feeling disconnected.Managing Growth ThoughtfullyOn development issues, Rasul emphasized better coordination between planning and infrastructure: “Things sometimes feel like an afterthought,” she said, urging city leadership to evaluate long-term impacts before approving new projects. She supported hiring a city manager who listens widely and values public engagement.Infrastructure and the Fuel-Cell DebateRasul echoed resident concerns about Amazon’s planned fuel-cell power facility, especially its proximity to schools. She called for even greater transparency and communication ahead of transformative change so residents “know why a decision was made” and can trust the process.Youth and the FutureRasul said her average volunteer age is 25, and she sees engaging young residents as essential to Hilliard’s democratic health:“And when you get young people before they’re ready to vote, excited that they can make a change so that when they are old enough, they’re educated enough to know what to look for and to continue the conversations and to come reach out to people that are in positions of power to make decisions.”This concludes our third year of local election coverage and interviews. Now would be a great time to support our journalism. Please consider a monthly subscription!~Music and Production by Tim Hofmann at Franklin Street StudiosThe Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

Educator and longtime Hilliard resident Kathy Parker-Jones joined the Hilliard Beacon for a sharp conversation in the waning days of campaign season (Thursday October 16th), outlining her bid for City Council as an extension of a career spent working on solutions and building consensus. A 30-year teacher and now district administrator in Dublin Schools, she said the leap into politics came from wanting to counter national divisiveness with local action. “I’m a doer,” she said.Parker-Jones says she’s knocked on more than a thousand doors since the primary. Most residents seem to express broad satisfaction with life in Hilliard but recurring concerns include property-tax burdens, traffic, and data-center development. Her economic priority, she said, is “smart, strategic growth” that attracts employers to the I-270 corridor and offsets resident tax pressure through income-tax revenue from commuters.On planning and growthThe candidate called the 2023 Comprehensive Plan “a first step in the right direction” after years of uncoordinated development. She favors measured infill that preserves Old Hilliard’s small-town character while encouraging mixed-use projects near the highway to draw younger residents. Parker-Jones also voiced strong support for protecting the Big Darby Creek corridor and maintaining a green beltway to limit encroachment.Administrative directionWith a new city manager on the horizon Parker-Jones compares council’s role to a school board guiding a superintendent, saying council must set vision while the city manager executes it. She thinks ongoing refinement of the comprehensive plan should be shaped by community feedback as well as administration. Her approach would stress transparency and consistent dialogue between residents and staff.Community engagementWhile she prefers the city’s at-large election system over Jordan’s proposed wards, Parker-Jones suggested quarterly meetings linking city staff, council members, HOA leaders, and civic or cultural groups to encourage more ongoing, two-way conversations.Diversity and cohesionReflecting on her family’s 30 years in Hilliard, she said the community’s growing diversity “makes us better.” A focus in this area would be connecting with cultural centers, HOAs, and civic groups to foster understanding and relationship mending following recent tensions around the former BMW building and the Noor Islamic Cultural Center.Data centers and energyParker-Jones took a clear stance on data-center saturation: “We’re full.” She questioned promised economic benefits, citing minimal employment and resident complaints of constant noise from the Amazon facilities. She also raised ecological worries over water use and the proposed fuel-cell power plant and saying Hilliard shouldn’t serve as “the testing zone” for such technology.Approach to major corporationsHer guiding principle in negotiations with these high power corporations going forward? Weigh the overall community impact via noise, density, traffic, environmental footprint and seek compromises that preserve residents’ quality of life. “How can we work with those folks who want to come here and do business while also making sure our residents’ needs are met?”The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

Our guest is Hilliard resident, electrician and substation safety specialist Doug Williams. Together, we convened to discuss and examine Amazon’s decision to power its Scioto Darby data center using what could become the largest fuel cell installation in the United States. Williams, an AEP employee speaking strictly in a personal capacity, offered rare technical insight into how such a system functions and what it could mean for residents, the grid, and Hilliard’s long-term infrastructure.How the Original Plan ChangedOriginally, the Scioto Darby location was to be powered directly from AEP’s regional transmission lines which are part of the 345,000-volt grid backbone passing through the city. That design would have tied Amazon Web Services (AWS) into local substations, sharing electricity with surrounding neighborhoods.The switch to a large on-site fuel cell shifts that model: Amazon will now generate most of its own power on the property, drawing from a proposed 8-inch gas pipeline rather than primarily from the grid. The decision effectively removes much of the city’s local regulatory control, since Ohio’s revised code classifies such power generation at the state board level of control.Reliability and the GridDoug describes the balance of electricity generation and load: “You have to protect the grid before you protect the customer.” Large data centers like Amazon’s can cause “voltage drop” or “load shed” events. These sudden surges or dips can damage generators or trip breakers across wide areas. Recovering from these events is costly and time consuming which is why it is such a priority of those responsible for the system to avoid them.Fuel cells, while new and expensive, give companies instant, on-demand reliability that helps them avoid curtailment requests (temporary shutoffs) that major industrial users like Honda or steel mills may face during grid stress events. In practice, AWS’s constant demand and government-level cloud responsibilities make it an essential service that will likely retain priority power status in emergencies.Economic and Civic ImplicationsThe hosts emphasized that, for Hilliard, the issue extends beyond engineering. Tax abatements, PILOT agreements, and the eventual decommissioning costs of such an installation could have long-term impacts on city finances and schools. Jordan noted that Amazon or its holding companies often sells facilities after abatement periods expire, raising questions about who inherits the obligations if ownership changes hands.The discussion also raised the fairness issue of “behind-the-meter” generation: by producing their own electricity, mega-users like Amazon reduce their payments into the shared maintenance of public utility infrastructure, effectively passing upkeep costs to residential ratepayers.Tech SpecsDoug explained that the system will use solid oxide fuel cells, which heat zirconium-based ceramics to over 600°C, separating hydrogen from natural gas to produce electricity. While this process emits carbon dioxide, it avoids sulfur compounds and particulates found in coal or diesel. Efficiency can reach 60%, significantly higher than traditional combustion generation.Still, the facility’s sheer scale (228 cells totaling 73 MW) means that its CO2 output will be “massive in total, if modest in intensity,” and the installation’s safety and maintenance responsibilities will need to be closely monitored under federal reliability rules (NERC/FERC).In ClosingWe’ll likely have Doug back in the future! Others with important knowledge have already been scheduled and will join us in helping Hilliard process these emerging developmentsResident frustration and outright surprise at the pace of change around these new technologies should make clear to all of us both the scale and opacity of the energy transition now unfolding locally: Hilliard’s future grid stability, environmental balance, and municipal revenue streams are all being rewritten at once, in real time, under the all consuming hum of the data economy.You can sign a resident organized petition to advocate for government legal intervention and activity HERE or by proceeding to http://riseuphilliard.comYou can also humor Jordan by advocating for ward representation in government with recurring direct public engagement at all levels of decision making.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

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 CoveredOn Amazon & Data CentersAt 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 ServicesTeater 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 CommunicationThe 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 SearchBoth 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 PlanCottone 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)The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

Incumbent Councilmember Les Carrier joined hosts Jordan, Tim, and reporter Kevin Corvo for Hilliard Beacon Audio Companion #130 (during a happier moment when Cleveland was still in the playoffs - back on October 2nd) to discuss his decision to seek a fourth term on Hilliard City Council and reflect on his tenure.Carrier cited several accomplishments that have marked his political terms in Hilliard. A major calling card was Issue 9, which restricted residential TIFs, then following on and establishing a dedicated recreation and parks fund with Issue 22. He emphasized that these actions (and resident votes on these issues) have made Hilliard something of a model for surrounding cities like Marysville and New Albany as well as Gahanna as they also go through similar development cycles. Looking forward, Carrier said his campaign is newly driven by concerns about visibility of faith in public life for all residents, transparency in development decisions, and maintaining what he regularly calls “neighborly” growth rather than revenue-maximizing zoning.He criticized recent changes to council rules that eliminated the invocation from meetings, describing the move as a break with tradition and emblematic of a growing disconnect between local and national values. He also questioned the city’s emphasis of a “revenue-per-acre” model in its comprehensive plan, warning it risks prioritizing profits over community needs, using the city’s pickleball facility debate as a symbol of that imbalance.The conversation turned to Hilliard’s pending city manager search. Carrier reflected on lessons from the first city manager hire, expressing a desire for someone seeking consensus on council, who understands community engagement and avoids what Les calls “bureaucratic inertia” of top down governance. He revealed that Hilliard’s recent community survey results, which he claims showed declining resident satisfaction and feelings of inclusivity, were initially withheld from Council and remain unreleased to the wider public - prompting him to file a records request. The Hilliard Beacon has asked Councilman Carrier to provide those materials so that we can file a follow-up.Carrier also noted he is concerned with ongoing staffing challenges, particularly in recreation, suggesting partnerships with the YMCA and more competitive hiring strategies. If elected, he warned that Hilliard’s fast-growing infrastructure needs a closer look, criticizing the idea that the city’s traffic network is already “overbuilt.”Lastly, we touched on the emerging changes being made to Hilliard’s ongoing Amazon data center projects and an upcoming vote in City Council.Carrier acknowledged that while these projects deliver significant tax and infrastructure contributions there are ongoing ecological concerns about resource strain, resident tolerance for ongoing operational noise and volume of construction is always a consideration.We thank Les for joining us on the way to the November election!(Music and production by Tim Hofmann for Franklin Street Studios)The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

For our ongoing election series, the Hilliard Beacon team sat down with Republican Norwich Township trustee candidate Mike McMeans, a lifelong Hilliard resident whose family roots stretch back to the late 1970s. McMeans spoke about his professional journey from state government to financial planning, and his decision to seek elected office as a way of “giving back” to the community that raised him.McMeans emphasized that in his view the trustee role is less about positional authority and more about influence and coordination - bridging relationships between the township, the City of Hilliard, and surrounding jurisdictions. He cited his leadership experience within the Financial Planning Association, where he helped unify Ohio chapters, as a model for how he’d bring cooperation and shared purpose to local government. A major theme of the discussion once again centered on communication and transparency. McMeans said residents consistently express confusion about township operations, and he hopes to make communication regular and accessible through more frequent newsletters, electronic updates, and in-person conversations at firehouses and local businesses. On development, Mike called for “smart growth” that respects existing residents while acknowledging inevitable change. He described development not as inherently bad but as something that must be done “the right way,” informed by meaningful dialogue and infrastructure realities. He pointed to projects like the first of its kind joint police-fire facility at the Franklin County Fairgrounds as examples of fiscally responsible collaboration, noting that such partnerships can save public money and improve service.The conversation also touched on the changing character of township government amid regional growth. McMeans and the hosts reflected on how Norwich Township has matured from its “sleepy” agricultural roots into a complex suburban environment requiring, in his view, more active governance. Discussion extended to the implications of state tax reforms and how potential shifts toward consumption-based taxation could impact local services. McMeans underscored the need for vigilance and advocacy from township officials, who must anticipate and adapt to fiscal and policy changes beyond their immediate control.We thank Mike for stopping by the studio and hope township residents find all these election conversations engaging and a helpful introduction to our candidates for public office.(Music and Production by Tim Hofmann at Franklin Street Studios)The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

Republican candidate Jim Martin joined the Hilliard Beacon audio companion to discuss his run for Hilliard City Council, marking his first election campaign for local office. Martin described how his interest in city governance began with a neighborhood zoning dispute over a vacant church property. While the proposal ultimately passed, Martin said it was the flaws in the decision-making process that pushed him to get involved. He went on to serve two years on the Board of Zoning Appeals and later two years on the Planning and Zoning Commission, where he drew on his design and construction background.Martin also serves as president of his neighborhood HOA, a role he accepted reluctantly but said has taught him the value of listening and connecting residents with solutions. He emphasized that his motivation for council service is to expand meaningful civic engagement, encouraging residents to see community involvement as a worthwhile investment of their limited time.On development, Martin said he supports thoughtful, contextual growth that respects Hilliard’s character. He expressed concerns with parts of the city’s comprehensive plan, arguing it leans too heavily on fast moving commercial development without enough balance. He cited the I-270 corridor, Trueman Pointe, Old Hilliard, and the retired rail corridor as ongoing and upcomging development areas where that must be carefully managed to ensure meaningful benefit to residents. While recognizing the importance of commercial revenue, he stressed that growth should serve community interests broadly.During the conversation, the introduction of a ward system was raised as one possible way to make representation and civic engagement more concrete and effective. Jordan made the usual suggestion that recurring ward meetings could give residents regular opportunities to bring concerns directly to their council representative. The hope being that such a system could create “low simmer civics” that keep people connected and invested in the process, rather than disengaged between moments of controversy. Martin acknowledged the value of making residents feel heard and suggested that greater representative access and dialogue would be an important part of addressing the frustrations he has heard from voters on the campaign trail.Asked about partisan politics, Martin downplayed the role of party labels in local governance, though he identified as a lifelong conservative who favors limited government. He said he would approach projects with a focus on whether they benefit the community as a whole, rather than through an ideological lens.Martin praised the Hilliard City Lab and other local economic initiatives that foster small business growth, noting that government’s role should be to create the right environment and then step aside. He said residents he has met on the campaign trail primarily want to feel heard and valued by their government, and he hopes to bring that listening-first approach to council.If elected, Martin said he would begin by observing and learning from sitting members, seeking to build consensus on shared goals rather than divisions. He acknowledged challenges ahead in balancing residential growth with infrastructure capacity, especially as Hilliard approaches 50,000 residents. Ultimately, he said he is optimistic about the city’s future and believes council must assert a stronger leadership role in shaping policy for the city manager to implement.The conversation closed with Martin reaffirming his commitment to service, consensus-building, and helping guide Hilliard’s growth in a way that keeps residents engaged and the community strong.(Music and Audio production by Tim Hofmann at Franklin Street Studios!)The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

For the first time in recent memory, the Hilliard City Schools Board of Education race is uncontested. Candidates Kara Crowley (incumbent board president), Tony Moog, and Sarah Byler joined the Beacon to reflect on what that means, and where the district is headed.All three emphasized the heavy commitment that board service requires. Time, resilience, and the ability to absorb criticism while keeping focus on kids and educators were all mentioned as critical elements of a successful candidacy and term. Despite running unopposed, each is still knocking doors, holding events, and meeting residents.Each candidate’s web presence can be accessed by clicking the underlined text in the paragraphs below.Crowley described her perspective as both a candidate and teacher in neighboring South-Western City Schools, pointing to Hilliard’s strong performance on state report cards, particularly in “value added” student growth. She stressed the district’s long-term commitment plans and the centerpiece “portrait of a learner” as a north star, keeping focus on preparing kids for their tomorrow whether that means college, career, or trades.Moog, coming off a loss in a city council primary, admitted it was difficult to turn toward another campaign, but said his motivation is service, not politics. He noted the new board will disagree, but do so respectfully. He said he hopes to focus his efforts in ensuring equity across Hilliard’s varied socioeconomic neighborhoods and being accessible to residents.Byler, a longtime PTO leader and levy campaign organizer, emphasized community connections. She recalled scheduling over 70 levy-related conversations with residents for the district effort, which she felt built necessary trust and transparency. She wants the board to maintain calm and stability even amid state and national level education upheaval. A primary theme of her campaign materials has been access, striving to ensure residents feel heard and included.Given Kara’s experience and the unopposed nature of the race, topics ranged widely:* Community input & engagement: All three support more proactive communication beyond levy cycles, from farmer’s market tents to informal coffees and more formal evolutions of existing systems for bringing residents together.* Facilities & redistricting: Construction is driven not by enrollment growth, Crowley clarified, (with forecasts remaining flat) but by aging buildings and feeder pattern cleanup. These patterns dictate how students move through their education in Hilliard districts. Any further necessary redistricting will follow community committee recommendations.* Religious release programs (LifeWise): The candidates agreed all similar programs must not disrupt core classes including arts and gym, while background checks and safeguards are considered highly desirable future checkpoints for any provider looking to guarantee responsible growth of the program.* Subtle shift to preparing students for *their* tomorrow: From trade fairs to internship programs, the district is expanding pathways beyond traditional college, guided by the portrait of a learner.The trio shared a consistent message: even without electoral competition this cycle, they view their campaigns as a chance to listen and stay connected. They framed the coming term as one focused on stability, equity, and preparing students for a wide range of futures.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

NOTE: One of our hosts, Tim Hoffman, has known Wendy Johnson for about 25 years through Tim’s wife Casey - Wendy’s sister. We’ll let you decide whether that makes his questions tougher or easier, but either way, we figured you should know, lol.On this episode, the Beacon team sat down with Dublin City Council candidate Wendy Johnson, who is running for the open Ward 2 seat. Johnson, a longtime Ballantrae resident, says her campaign was prompted by the proposed rezoning of rural land west of Cosgray Road into the West Innovation District. This transformation brings flex innovation, light industrial uses, and a regional sports complex directly to her neighborhood’s doorstep. (Recognizing the parallels here, Hilliard?)Johnson emphasized that she is not opposed to growth, but wants Dublin to be deliberate in how it manages rezoning near established communities with strong property values. She cited the importance of protecting existing assets like Darree Fields, the Miracle League facility, and historical sites while overseeing Ohio University expansion via the Dublin Framework Plan, the new OSU medical building, and Dublin’s acquisition of the Sports Ohio complex.The conversation also broadened to Dublin’s challenges in their infill / re-development cycle post Bridge Park:* Revitalizing Metro Place and Blazer Parkway office corridors, where aging infrastructure and vacancies have lingered.* Ensuring housing affordability, with Johnson pledging to support policies that dedicate significant portions of new residential projects to young professionals, downsizers, and families not making six-figure incomes.* Balancing density concerns with Dublin’s need to retain vitality and intergenerational residents.* Reimagining Metro Center as a pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use hub with community and entertainment spaces.Johnson also discussed the ward system’s critical role in representation, advocating for new public forums, cross-generational roundtables, and better outreach beyond HOAs to improve communication. She stressed the importance of strong partnerships with Washington Township and neighboring municipalities, calling Dublin’s relationship with its township government healthy and open.Looking ahead, Johnson envisions Dublin leveraging its fiber connectivity, ongoing research-and-development focus, and regional assets to attract innovative businesses while building housing options that keep families rooted for generations - A formula many are aiming for in Ohio and across the country.We return to Hilliard specific election coverage this Thursday interviewing all three candidates for Hilliard City School Board.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

In our latest election conversation, The Hilliard Beacon sat down with Bevan Schneck, longtime Planning & Zoning Commission member and one of three Republican candidates for Hilliard City Council in November. Schneck shared his journey from small-town beginnings in Pandora, Ohio, to six years shaping Hilliard’s growth on the commission. With a professional background at the Ohio Municipal League and Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Schneck emphasized the importance of process, planning, and drawing from best practices across Ohio’s wide range of municipalities.When asked about forward thinking elements of our local government, Bevan highlighted the city’s progress in implementing the Comprehensive Plan through targeted rezoning work in areas like Big Darby and the I-270 corridor. Bevan also gave his perspective on the balance between commercial and residential development needed to sustain Hilliard’s revenue future. Schneck also spoke of his personal commitment to Hilliard, pointing to his involvement in community groups like the Historical Society, Citizens Police Academy, and Keep Hilliard Beautiful. And, as we all know, Alumni status in the Ohio State Marching Band never hurts.It wouldn’t be a Beacon candidate interview if citizen participation didn’t come up and we get into a healthy chat about how the city involves its people in various aspects of governance and how those systems may change going forward (C’mon Ward Meetings! - Jordan). Bevan’s tenure on planning and zoning brought a lot of the practical experience we crave to our talk and we thank him for taking the time to participate in what is becoming a tradition for Hilliard public office seekers.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

The Beacon continues its election-season series with Democratic candidates Brian Rothenberg and Kelli Hykes, both seeking seats as Norwich Township Trustees.Campaign Trails and BackgroundsRothenberg, with decades in political communications and labor advocacy including work with the Ohio Senate, Cleveland Mayor White, Progress Ohio, and the United Auto Workers hopes to frame the trustee role as one requiring active listening and building relationships across governments.Hykes, a longtime public health and policy professional, brings experience from Columbus City Council, Columbus Public Health, and cannabis policy reform. She emphasizes problem solving at the local level and giving residents a meaningful seat at the table.Township Issues in FocusDevelopment & Annexation: Both candidates argue Norwich must advance a governing agenda. They call for township leaders to engage directly with regional planning bodies and insist on managed density, affordable housing options, and protections for legacy landowners.Services & Safety: Fire and EMS remain core priorities, but Rothenberg and Hykes propose expanding into preventative public health efforts (smoke detector checks to car seat fittings) and exploring workforce development pipelines through township assets.Budgets & Advocacy: With state level talk of reducing income and property taxes, both warn of cascading impacts on township fire, health, and aging services. They stress proactive advocacy at the Statehouse and a bipartisan willingness to defend township funding.Community Voice: The pair call for modernizing outreach through social media, online meetings, and direct communication so more residents participate in shaping township decisions.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s Audio Companion, the extended Beacon crew (Hi, Brad!) sat down with developer Andy Warnock for a conversation on the past, present, and future of Hilliard. From his roots in Delaware, Ohio, to twenty years of projects throughout Hilliard and beyond, Warnock spoke candidly about growth, balance, and the lessons of lasting relationships through his business in the Westwood Collective. Looking back a few years locally, Andy reflects on how projects like Crooked Can and Firefly Winery helped add to the “heartbeat” in Old Hilliard, why he believes defensive development matters within the Community Plan, and how the city’s next chapter will likely hinge on defining the right mix of housing, retail, entertainment, all in collaboration with townships. The conversation also touched on larger issues like the national housing shortages, trades education, the post-COVID return to daily life, and how Hilliard can stake a claim in regional technology and manufacturing growth.Nearly an hour of conversation with one of our most prominent builders - only through the Hilliard Beacon.Music and Production by Tim Hofmann - recorded at Franklin Street Creative (doot-dah-doot-dah-dooooooo)The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

This week all three Beacon batters sit down with Columbus Clippers General Manager Tyler Parsons to talk about baseball’s past, present, and future in Central Ohio.Kevin sets the stage with a quick history of Columbus baseball, tracing the journey from Cooper Stadium and the Redbirds to today’s Huntington Park and the Clippers’ 12(ish) championships. From there, Parsons shares his own baseball roots. He grew up a Detroit Tigers fan, worked his first job in baseball as “Director of Fun” in the Coastal Plain League, and carried those lessons in fan experience through to leadership roles in Durham and now Columbus.The conversation touches on the developing balance between competition and entertainment. Parsons explains that minor league baseball is as much about experience as it is about wins and highlights promotions like Dime-a-Dog Night and the Clippers’ efforts to create affordable, family-friendly fun. With player decisions controlled by the Cleveland Guardians, the Clippers’ job is to make Huntington Park the best environment possible for both players and fans.Parsons also covers Columbus’ unique ownership structure: the Clippers are county-owned, making them one of the rare professional sports franchises operated as a true community asset. That means keeping ticket prices low, focusing on accessibility, and serving as an anchor in the Arena District’s growth.From rule changes like the extra-inning “ghost runner,” to the cultural mix of pro wrestling, Savannah Bananas–style showmanship, with baseball traditions, the discussion paints a picture of a sport constantly evolving. For Parsons, the joy is simple: bringing thousands of people together on a summer night to share a game and maybe a scoop or two.This Podcast and Music were Produced by Tim Hofmann and recorded at Franklin Street Creative (doot-dah-doot-dah-doot-dah-dooooooo)The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

This week’s episode of the Hilliard Beacon Audio Companion runs in two distinct halves.In our first bit, Jordan, Tim, and Kevin gather around the mics to talk through recent events in Hilliard. We start with Tim’s firsthand account of a serious train accident that shut down parts of Northwest Parkway and Leap Road for hours. Thankfully, no fatalities were reported, though the truck driver was hospitalized in stable condition. From there, the guys connect the incident back to the city’s long-running “quiet zone” debate, revisit past council discussions on grade crossing safety, and touch on community events including Celebration at the Station, National Night Out, and the latest election filings. Listeners also get updates on the uncontested HCSD school board race and a Norwich Township trustee contest that’s already drawing fundraising attention.The second half of the show shifts gears into a longform interview with Gold Path Solar founder Jake Trubiano. A Hilliard native now leading a Dublin-based solar firm, Trubiano walks through his path from Air Force Academy to Ohio University to solar entrepreneurship. He explains how rising electricity rates and federal incentives make solar projects pencil out for both homeowners and commercial developers in Ohio, with payback windows as short as six years and warranties stretching 25. The conversation ranges from rooftop systems to solar carports, from the Inflation Reduction Act’s promise of U.S. manufacturing to the uncertainties caused by new tariffs and the rollback of residential tax credits.It’s a wide-ranging episode and fun conversation - one part history. one part future and definitively ALL HILLIARD. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

In the sweltering heat of summer, the Beacon’s Audio Companion returns to full strength. Hosts Jordan, Kevin, and Tim (back from the Poconos) reconvene post-three hours and change of Clippers baseball that left 2/3rds of the crew absolutely fried. (7/24)* After some vacation recap, the crew reflect on the recent interview with johnn(y)ie co-author Johnny Dawson. Topics include: reinvention, the toll of ambition, addiction, and post-service life. The guys draw parallels between Dawson’s post military recovery, Johnny Dixon’s athletic career pivot, and their own business and creative endeavors and fail-deavors, calling attention to the importance of personal grit and breaking from isolation to embrace the next thing.* Local matters round out the show. Michelle Crandall’s final week as Hilliard city manager prompts discussion on future city leadership, council dynamics, and the future of representative governance. The hosts consider the slow, necessary shift toward neighborhood-level input and “low-intensity, frequent engagement,” as a process to navigate local issues at the citizen level.* They wrap with updates on the Bryant Street land trust home, ongoing sidewalk repairs (and speculation about their distribution), a lightning-struck tree, and the arrival of Pickleball Kingdom - approved by a vote of 5-2 amid concerns about income tax yield for that prime corridor spot. Finally, in true Companion form, a few jabs at axe throwing and a not-so-subtle digression into the latest Epstein insanity.Music and Production by Tim Hofmann at Franklin Street Studios (doot-dah-doot-dah doooo)The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.There's a lot of interesting things happening in Ohio.It's always drawing us forward even as the larger picture is scaring and abusing us.So I think it's a challenge to us to find ways to make our contribution as loud aswe can and try to come through some of this noise and chaos that we're facing. - Jordan This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

In a resonant conversation, Marine veteran and local advisor Johnny Dawson opened up about the release of johnn(y)ie: a memoir of conquering the modern-day goliath, a collaborative memoir co-authored with former Ohio State wide receiver Johnnie Dixon. The title itself, stylized to highlight the shared name “Johnny/Johnnie,” signals a layered story of two men from vastly different worlds confronting the same internal and generational giants.Dawson was born in Columbus but spent his early youth in Butcher Holler, Kentucky. Those years were shaped almost entirely by a volatile father figure, whom Dawson describes as “an outlaw, not a criminal,” who once took him on a drive that ended in what Johnny can only describe as a shotgun shooting. That memory of trauma (and the silent image of cattails swaying in the headlights) became the metaphor and opening chapter for the memoir.While Johnnie Dixon’s path took him through the elite structures (Ohio State) and physical grind of preparing for a professional football career, Dawson’s escape from generational poverty and addiction came through the United States Marine Corps. He enlisted the very day of his high school graduation and was deployed to Iraq in 2004, serving in Anbar Province and participating in the first Battle of Fallujah. Dawson described daily mortar fire, booby-trapped roads, and the moral injury of losing friends in combat and children in war zones. Particularly remarkable were Dawson’s series of encounters with a young Iraqi boy named Mohammed, who led them to a massive weapons cache and was later murdered by insurgents for doing so.As feelings grew that the mission had lost focus and purpose Johnny returned stateside and enrolled at Ohio State, but his transition was fraught. He self-isolated, drank heavily, got into fights, and nearly ended his life - stopped only by the quiet, persistent companionship of his dog, Rocky. His own spiritual reckoning began when his now-wife Bora, then pregnant with their son Maddox, gave him an ultimatum: come to church or lose your family. He chose church, and with it, a slow path back to a more peaceful life.Through a growing faith and eventual work with Cypress Wesleyan, Dawson wrote a 12-week Bible study for men wrestling with trauma. That project laid the groundwork for johnn(y)ie, which he and Dixon shaped by comparing their vastly different lives and recognizing mirrored battles: mental health, poverty, and what Dawson calls “generational curses.”“We internalize who our parents are,” Dawson said. “Until one day, we make a choice to be something different.”For Dawson, writing the book was about vulnerability, honesty, and reaching others who might find themselves lost after a mission ends.Music and Production by Tim Hofmann at Franklin Street Studios (doot-dah-doot-dah doooo)The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

Councilman Carrier is back at the table - Development, Representation, and What Comes Next for HilliardOn this week’s HBAC longtime councilmember Les Carrier returns to the podcast for an open and wide-ranging conversation with hosts Jordan, Kevin and Tim. This episode was recorded right as Hilliard was preparing for Independence Day festivities and just shifting into the next major political season.Why Les Is Running AgainCarrier opens up about his decision to run again this fall after previously considering retirement and a rare loss running for Township office. He cites growing concerns over how the city’s Comprehensive Plan is being implemented - particularly around zoning, high-density development, and infrastructure prioritization. He points to rising resident frustration in his inbox over sudden changes and communication gaps around land / property use. Carrier argues that while development has been efficient, it hasn’t always been right or “neighborly.”On the Need for Neighborhood RepresentationLater in the episode, Jordan floats an idea that’s been gaining traction in recent Beacon conversations: creating a ward-based structure for ongoing public input. Not dividing up elections, necessarily, but establishing recurring neighborhood forums in wards that already exist on our maps and encompass all parts of the city (Leap Road, Old Hilliard, West Hilliard, etc.) to ensure resident voices don’t get lost in the noise.Carrier doesn’t push back. In fact, he sees the logic. “It's not until the bulldozers start pushing dirt that people pay attention,” he says. Recent events, such as 750 homes receiving re-zoning notices on the same day have been a wake-up call and he believes the city’s growing Muslim population, in particular, has felt sidelined throughout. “They’re busting at the seams everywhere they’re operating,” he says.Jordan stresses that permanent community structures - like recurring ward meetings or neighborhood planning groups - could offer something more durable than single-issue advocacy. Carrier agrees but suggests that legislation out of votes like Issue 9 have had lasting value and believes citizen-led engagement, when codified, has made for lasting impact.On the City Manager TransitionThe conversation also explores perspective on the leadership vacuum following the resignation of City Manager Michelle Crandall. Carrier expressed frustration that neither of the assistant managers already on staff seemed to want the permanent top job. “We're paying these people a quarter million dollars a year!”He believes this moment could have been used to test an interim manager in real time. At this juncture he hopes the full process (likely to stretch into months) yields a chance to reset the office and find a leader who can build consensus and not, in his view, just secure four votes.Hilliard’s Future Coming into ViewMuch of the conversation circles back to Old Hilliard, where the city is investing millions in storm and sewer upgrades to support future development. Carrier perceives an impending push to “go vertical” in Old Hilliard as a mistake. “Why change what’s already successful?” he asks. “And there isn't one apartment they needed to have to make it successful.”As the episode wraps, Carrier leaves listeners with a simple suggestion: Hilliard is heading into an election that can and should shape how the city grows.Whether it's ward meetings, ballot initiatives, or stronger council deliberation, he says the public should play a more active role. “Whether my point wins or loses, if we’re talking about it, we’re winning,” he says. “If we’re just doing groupthink, we’re not.”The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

The summer interviews continue fast and furious! Listen to some of what’s happening in Hilliard right now!Hosts Kevin and Tim begin with a feature on Sam and Charlie Owsley, Hilliard siblings organizing “Food for the Fourth.” The brothers have launched a civic initiative to collect non-perishable food items from the crowd lining the route of Hilliard’s July 4th parade. Coordinating with city police and parade organizers, and securing help from friends, family, and the Hilliard Food Pantry, the brothers aim to bolster summer donations during a time of reduced inventory due to budget cuts. With support from Kroger and local church partners, the effort represents a great example of local youth in service.The episode then pivots to a full-team discussion with Katie DeLand, co-founder of Ohio Women Lead Right, on companion bills (SB167 and HB226) in the Ohio General Assembly that would require one-time parental age verification to regulate minors’ access to mobile apps. DeLand frames the legislation as a commonsense, streamlined method for restoring parental control over children's digital lives, contrasting it with more piecemeal or industry-friendly alternatives. The approach is modeled after Utah’s successfully implemented law, upheld in court despite First Amendment challenges.Throughout the conversation, DeLand and the Beacon team explore wider issues from digital consumer grooming and addictive app ecosystems to the challenge of enforcement and broader questions about how kids are socialized and viewed as a market in a tech-saturated world. The proposed law joins a larger package of efforts by Ohio’s GOP supermajority, including a provision in the state’s operating budget to restrict student phone use during school hours.The conversation underscores a bipartisan concern over the shaping influence of apps, advertising, and screen time on youth development even as Ohio Republicans diverge in their preferred policy remedies.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

In this edition of the HBAC, Jordan, Tim and Kevin welcomed return guest Paul Lambert for an overdue look at the local political landscape following Hilliard’s recent Democratic primary. We talked the upcoming November election and the pending transition in city management.You can connect with more of Paul’s writing on his Facebook profile: Educate HilliardLocal Elections Signal Civic AwakeningWe opened with a reflection on the Democratic primary, where voters selected a slate of candidates including incumbents and newcomers. Notably, Nadia Rasul secured a nomination, reflecting both her community ties (including decades as a local pharmacist) and the increasing engagement of Hilliard’s Muslim community. Lambert highlights how civic involvement often grows from communities feeling excluded or wronged, pointing to the Noor Islamic Cultural Center’s increased political participation as an example of developing democracy in action. The group discusses the challenges and opportunities of building representative governance through both the ballot box and the courts.City Manager Transition at a Pivotal MomentAs Hilliard’s first city manager, Michelle Crandall, prepares to step down at the end of July, the group examines what’s at stake in appointing her successor:* Balance between professional administration and elected oversight, * Potential for political maneuvering ahead of the November elections, * Importance of local knowledge in managing a city like Hilliard. Lambert notes that any incoming city manager will need a deep understanding of Ohio’s unique municipal frameworks to be immediately effective.Tracing the Roots of Hilliard’s Complex GovernanceThe podcast then shifts into an educational / historical deep dive led by Lambert. He traces the trends and policy decisions—from postwar annexation and water system practices to the “win-win” school district agreements—that have shaped Hilliard’s patchwork of municipal boundaries, school districts, and tax districts. His walk-through of some of the intricacies of property tax policy, annexation law, and school district politics helps explain how present-day development tensions emerged.Paul’s latest post regarding property tax and school funding interactions from June 9th.Why Local Engagement MattersTo wrap it up, local politics offers a rare space where citizens can meaningfully shape outcomes—whether through elections, advocacy, or direct service. Hilliard residents deserve improving ways and methods to stay informed, involved and participating beyond just Election Day.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Latest Ohio Budget News (click the image) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

In our latest episode, we welcomed Tony Logan—local resident, farmer, agricultural attorney, and former Ohio head of USDA Rural Development—for a great chat on agrivoltaics, the integration of solar energy and agriculture.Logan shared how agrivoltaics offers a sustainable path forward, blending traditional farming with renewable energy in ways that can improve soil health, support pollinators, and keep farm families on the land. Drawing on Ohio State University’s research and his own experience, he explained how solar installations—when designed with farming in mind—can enhance moisture retention, increase microbial activity, and provide long-term economic stability for rural communities.Additionally, tools like smart leasing, legal safeguards, and forward-thinking design (such as solar trackers and higher panel mounts) enable farmers to continue raising crops and livestock—even sheep grazing directly under the panels. Logan emphasized the need for community solar legislation to empower towns like Hilliard to generate affordable, local power while preserving prime farmland and farm families.The conversation touched on Ohio’s latest regulatory hurdles and fresh updates on the still raging FirstEnergy corruption scandal winding its way through PUCO hearings.But Tony stayed focused on the opportunity for agrivoltaics to combat sprawl, and the potential of pairing solar with battery storage for 24/7 clean energy. He urged landowners and residents to advocate for policies that allow agrivoltaics to flourish, calling it “the best of two worlds: clean energy and better soils.”For those interested in learning more, Logan encouraged looking beyond myths and toward the emerging science and practical models already in place here in Ohio.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

Freshly retired (Coaching only) Hilliard Darby boys basketball head coach Chris Maul joined Jordan, Tim, and Kevin for the 113th installment of the Hilliard Beacon Audio Companion. Maul, a proud product of Hilliard schools, spoke candidly about his two-decade coaching career, the evolving culture of youth sports, and his classroom work teaching financial literacy and economics.A 1995 graduate of the Hilliard system, Maul recounted the community’s transition from a one-school town to a multi-high school district and the way that shift changed a little of the classic mystique. “When I was in high school,” Maul noted, “we were the largest school in Central Ohio.” That was just before Darby opened, and the idea of “everyone in town at one game” still reigned.Maul reflected on the growing complexity of high school athletics, where students face pressures to specialize, stay visible on social media, and juggle overlapping sports seasons. “There’s just too much,” he said, adding concerns about injury, burnout, and the loss of the well-rounded athlete. He expressed particular pride in this year’s senior group, most of whom were multi-sport athletes who had grown up through Darby’s youth basketball program, which Maul developed and oversaw starting in third grade.That commitment to player development culminated in a bit of poetry for his final season as coach: after going 4–19 the previous year and contemplating stepping away, Maul returned at the urging of his son Ty—who told him, simply, “Let’s run it back.” The Panthers went 19–4, secured their first league title since 2008, and Maul was named OCC Cardinal Coach of the Year and Ohio Division I Coach of the Year.Off the court, Maul has taught over 7,500 students in personal finance since 2000 and he emphasized the real-world value of both subjects, recounting stories of students opening Roth IRAs at 17 and sparking dinner-table conversations about 401(k)s, insurance deductibles, and credit scores. “It’s everything you wish you’d learned by 23,” Maul said.As for what’s next? After 25 years of teaching and coaching, Maul’s stepping away from the gym to spend more time with his wife and four children—though he’s considering launching an adult financial literacy program. “I’ve emptied the tank on basketball,” he said. “Now it’s time to show up for my family in a different way.”What’s Next for Darby?The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Hilliard Beacon Audio Companion, Executive Director Erin West helps us learn about the work, challenges, and steady commitment of the Hilliard Food Pantry. As someone who personally experienced poverty in her youth Erin has brought personal compassion and a professional grit dedicated to housing, youth development, and neighborhood wellness throughout her career.West’s leadership in Hilliard came to yet another test after a 2023 fire displaced the pantry from its long-time Cemetery Road location. From pop-up parking lot operations to temporary homes in churches and shared spaces, the pantry never missed more than two service days—thanks to a flurry of community support and some bold, door-knocking logistics.Now operating out of Hilliard United Methodist Church’s Warehouse 839, the pantry is more than a place to get groceries. West explains how the pantry offers a full client-choice model, allowing individuals to “shop” for items ranging from fresh produce and meats to toilet paper, diapers, and personal care—many of which SNAP benefits don’t cover. “If you ever have extra in your garden,” she adds, “we’ll take it.”But it doesn’t stop there. Cooking and parenting classes, housing and job support, a “share closet” free store, and utility assistance all form part of a wraparound strategy for stability. Your donation dollars also deliver extra value through the purchasing power of the Pantry’s connection to the larger Mid-Ohio Food Collective.Yet even with this expansive model, West is sounding the alarm. Federal and state food assistance cuts are looming, with hundreds of millions in USDA and Ohio funding on the chopping block. “This is going to be a crisis,” she warns, encouraging residents to contact legislators and get involved. https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/06/02/advocates-huge-numbers-of-ohioans-stand-to-lose-food-benefits-if-gop-house-budget-becomes-law/The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

In this edition of the HBAC, hosts Jordan, Kevin, and Tim welcomed Mark Tremayne for a big conversation about the future of public education, the current role of technology, and the specific programs shaping opportunity for local students.Years ago, Mark jumped ship from the corporate world of finance, marketing and banking for the classroom. First as a substitute earning his qualifications and then for years as a full time educator and administrator this calling has fueled his work across all 25 buildings in the Hilliard district. He’s built his career by focusing on a consistent approach to development and delivering a massive variety of program offerings for students through his fellow Hilliard educators.“We want Hilliard City Schools to be a gateway to opportunity.” - Mark TremayneFrom sixth grade through senior year, students in Hilliard have access to unique facilities and programs like the McVey Innovative Learning Center and The Hub. These are building within the district offering everything from early college coursework to immersive STEAM and AI-focused learning. Signature programs such as the Next Gen Changemakers and BETA (Business, Entrepreneurship, Technology, Art) expose middle schoolers to data analytics, coding, and entrepreneurship. High school students can join specialized networks—like the College Jumpstart or Young Professionals Network—to earn college credits and explore career paths in fields such as healthcare, education, and media production (Like our buds from Academy Vibe!)We picked Mark’s brain a little bit on AI controversies and he emphasized that while tools like ChatGPT need to be handled responsibly and on an evolving basis, their presence in students’ lives can’t be ignored. Hilliard educators are actively helping students become sharper digital citizens, encouraging AI’s use as a feedback tool - not a substitute for original thinking and not to be accepted unquestioningly.The conversation also touched on equity: how logistics, transportation, and socioeconomic challenges can limit access to and full utilization of world class opportunities like Hilliard is offering through its public schools. Tremayne detailed efforts from subsidy programs to Uber grants - trying to ensure all students can participate in career exploration events, field trips, and immersive learning days. A recent example had kids out to a district-wide seventh grade event at Tolles focused on career “lifestyle activations,” in partnership with the Find Your Grind program.As pressure mounts from state legislated voucher expansion, funding threats, and education policy upheavals, Mark says he and Hilliard educators have maintained a steady focus on the mission: student success.We hope you’ve enjoyed our interviews over the years and we have some more great guests coming right up. There’s never been a better time to join us. For just $5 a month we support Kevin’s 25 year career of connected, trustworthy journalism in Hilliard. Thanks! Subscribe below!The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

Democratic Primary Candidate Interview Series – Final Episode Before May 6 - Look for our recap post with links to all previous interviews on Monday.In the final installment of our primary interview series, we sat down with Samer Bazerbashi, a Hilliard resident and early team member at local tech firm T-Cetra, who’s now seeking a seat on Hilliard City Council.Raised in Gahanna and educated at Ohio State, Bazerbashi built his career in finance and technology—including time spent at JPMorgan Chase, then helping grow T-Cetra from a 4-person startup to a 200-employee firm serving wireless retailers nationwide. He’s not a company owner, but as “employee number four” he’s played an executive-level role for years, shaping infrastructure and scaling operations. He says that experience taught him not just business acumen but the importance of world-class service, connecting under pressure, and learning lasting lessons from complaints.Now, with his kids a little older and family support in place, Samer says he’s ready to give back—and was moved to run out of an effort to meet public voices and concerns with a commitment to service.On Growth and Development:Bazerbashi says he supports growth in many forms—but wants to define Hilliard’s “why”—its core identity—as part of that drive for more development. He says he recognizes the tensions between suburban charm, rural memories, and economic expansion. “What is our character, and how do we invite people to be part of it?”He stated he’s open to attracting a range of businesses—but emphasized environmentally responsible, high-skill sectors and green technology. He cited positively the work of the present administration in creating an environment that’s easy to do business in—especially for firms that can provide high-tech jobs and local career pipelines.On Engagement:Asked how he would build trust in government he replied that a major part of his platform is in improving how council listens and responds. Drawing from his own business experience, Bazerbashi suggests an “omni-channel” model of developing civic engagement: town halls, surveys, HOA meetings, social media, calls, and texts. “People need a venue to vent,” he says, “and if you can’t handle that—maybe this isn’t the job for you.”He especially wants to create ways for busy parents—like himself—to plug into city decisions, acknowledging that most people aren’t disengaged by choice, but by time and circumstance.On Coalitions and Governance:If elected, Bazerbashi says his first steps would be building positive relationships across the government. He says he’s already sat down with every council member, regardless of political alignment. His approach: seek methods where disagreements don’t derail collaboration and adds, “We need to have foundational respect, even if we vote differently.”The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

We continue our Democratic primary candidate series ahead of the May 6th vote by welcoming Nadia Rasul, a longtime Hilliard resident and first-time City Council candidate. From Youngstown to Hilliard:Born to immigrant parents in Youngstown, Ohio, and a proud graduate of Ohio State’s College of Pharmacy, Nadia and her husband moved to Hilliard in 1989, raising their four children through Hilliard schools (all graduating from Ohio State!)A Local Pharmacist's Perspective:Rasul spent decades behind the counter at Kroger pharmacies in Hilliard, witnessing the community’s growth and evolving demographics. She reflected warmly on earlier days when Hilliard was smaller, its fields open, and the pharmacy business allowed for deeper patient care—before corporate consolidation, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and other factors reshaped healthcare delivery. Rasul said her years in pharmacy taught her both the importance of personal service and the need to adapt to change—a spirit she says she now brings to her council run.Campaign Motivation:Despite entering the race alongside two other Muslim candidates, Rasul was clear: as a candidate she defines herself first as a Hilliard mom, pharmacist, volunteer, and neighbor who happens to be Muslim. In our conversation she stressed her years of city service in volunteer capacities, including roles with the Hilliard YMCA Board, the Parks and Rec Commission, and local schools—even years after her own children graduated.Vision for Hilliard:The candidate says she wants the city to retain its unique, welcoming charm—continue to develop its walkable neighborhoods and community programming—while managing growth carefully. She stressed the need for proactive resident engagement, proposing neighborhood representatives to liaise directly with Council.Nadia also called for longer-range planning (20+ years), greater adherence to community input, and a willingness to pivot when needed, even if it means admitting mistakes.Recreation, YMCA and the New WELL Facility:On local recreation, Rasul sees room for both the established YMCA and the city’s new WELL Center to thrive. She anticipates the Y continuing to serve seniors and families drawn to its Silver Sneakers program, while the WELL offers additional options for younger and growing families. She would also like to see continued growth and support for our outdoor parks as community event spaces.To hear our full conversation on these topics and more take a listen or read the transcript Substack provides.Our coverage will conclude with our final Democratic Primary interview (Samer Bazerbashi) to be posted to our site Friday (5/2) and a summary post over the weekend prior to May 6th election day.But… this only begins our larger coverage of local elections so sign up today for a PAID or FREE membership to stay informed about the latest happenings in Hilliard.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

In the latest installment of our Democratic Primary series, we welcomed first-time Hilliard City Council candidates Kathleen Parker Jones and Tony Moog to the podcast. Both candidates represent a slate alongside current council members Andy Teater and Tina Cottone, with the hope of offering an ongoing cohesive vision for Hilliard governance.Parker Jones, a 30-year Hilliard resident and longtime educator, emphasized her desire to give back post-retirement. Now an administrator in Dublin, she believes the time is right to step into civic leadership. Kathy's campaign on InstagramMoog, a telecom professional and longtime Rotary member, cited a deep history of civic involvement and observation of council meetings as the foundation for his candidacy. Both see their community ties—through education, local foundations, and volunteer work—as key strengths they bring to the table.Tony's Campaign on FacebookPriorities & PerspectiveParker Jones suggested a continuing focus on connectivity—both physical, like trails and green space, and institutional, like schools and city partnerships. She hopes to bridge gaps between neighborhoods, increase walkability, and support decisions that don’t negatively impact schools.Moog highlighted thoughtful development, stressing adherence to the city’s comprehensive plan while being willing to adapt it when beneficial, as seen in the pivot at the Wolpert property. With firsthand experience on Planning & Zoning, he’s ready to weigh land use decisions that align with residents’ interests and the city’s long-term goals.The full conversation touches on:* Collaboration within the Democratic slate* How to better engage residents* Evolving government in Hilliard* Development and the commercial tax base* Opportunities for collaboration between the city and our schoolsAll this and more on our latest installment!Stay tuned to the Hilliard Beacon as we continue our series covering this primary. Our final two interviews will be posted Monday April 28th w/ Nadia Rasul and Friday May 2nd w/ Samer Bazerbashi ahead of the May 6th election.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

This week on the Beacon, I sat down with three people doing big work behind the scenes to put home ownership in reach for working families right here in Hilliard and across Central Ohio. I was joined by Hope Paxson and Curtiss Williams from the Central Ohio Community Land Trust and Improvement Corporation (COCLT, COCIC), and Hilliard’s Assistant City Manager Dan Ralley.We’d been working to bring this interview together since first finding out about the project in 2024.The topic? A smart, sturdy tool for long-term affordability: the Community Land Trust model - a quiet but mighty solution to the housing squeeze that’s gripping not just our suburbs but neighborhoods all across Franklin County.* The land stays in the trust.* The homeowner owns the structure.* A 99-year land lease keeps it affordable for the next family, and the one after that.* A firm foundation in a shifting market, keeping prices in reach without requiring a lottery ticket to get there.In an expansion of their mission, since 2018, COCIC’s been transforming vacant and blighted properties (they’ve demolished over 1,200 neglected structures countywide over ten + years) into vibrant homes, always with the long view in mind.Why Hilliard? As I’m sure you’ve been following along it was no surprise when Dan Ralley reminded us that Hilliard’s community plan is in place, and housing is one of the “Big 8 Ideas.” With valuations rising fast, the missing middle (those homes between luxury new builds and older starter homes) is vanishing. So Hilliard partnered with the land trust to bring an affordability model to those levels. The first parcel? A city-owned remnant off Bryant Street near Beacon Elementary. A perfect place for a new kind of ownership.Not just homes. COCIC’s also dabbled in neighborhood-scale commercial projects, offering small businesses a shot at revitalized properties in areas that used to be the heart of old neighborhoods. Think grocery stores, barbershops, even parks going so far as to plan a move of their own offices into a restored building nearing completion, and looking to share space with a new business tenant.Stewardship matters. Hope made a great point, that owning the land is only half the story. They walk alongside homeowners, offering support and setting expectations. This isn’t flipping houses for profit and it’s planting seeds of abiding ownership.We wrapped the conversation with some perspective: when you organize for mission instead of profit, you free yourself to respond to a community’s needs over time and not just what the market demands this month.And yes, I’ll be putting together a welcome dozen donuts for whoever moves into that new Bryant Street home. ;-)Listen to the full episode for all the insight from people working to build Central Ohio’s neighborhoods the right way, from the inside out.We’ll see you around the block!The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

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 CampaigningTina 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 InitiativeTina 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 & GrowthBoth 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 EngagementThey 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 ManagerTeater praised the transition to a city manager system, crediting it with improving efficiency, staff collaboration, and empowered responsiveness at City Hall.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.We hope you’ll continue to join us for this series of candidate interviews where we speak to those involved right up to election day - offering a unique platform for voters to get to know their potential and present representation at the city level.We thank you for your support! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

Welcome to The Hilliard Beacon’s 2025 City Election Coverage. By the time of the May 6th election we will have interviewed and published material with every candidate for Council and we hope to continue that streak with full coverage of the November Election as well.We were pleased to kick off the Beacon’s election cycle by meeting Dr. Dorothy Hassan at the Franklin Street Studio for a discussion of her Hilliard story, her hopes for City Council, and some of the perspective and advocacy she employs in her professional life.Dr. Hassan brings a rare mix of international experience and local investment. A professor, nonprofit leader, and mother of children enrolled in Hilliard schools, she spent significant time teaching English abroad in Yemen and Egypt before returning stateside after the Arab Spring. Her husband, in a classic American twist, discovered Hilliard while crisscrossing the country in a Volvo. The family has called Hilliard home since 2012.We covered a lot of ground in our 40+ minute conversation:Her Approach to GovernanceHassan leans into what she calls “professional learning,” emphasizing humility and curiosity. She doesn’t claim to know everything—but says she knows how to learn, and how to listen. She believes government should prioritize communication and wants to see councilmembers engage with residents earlier and more often, not just when tensions overflow into late-night meetings.City Systems & Government StructureIn an era of growth and transition—from strong mayor to city manager system—Hassan acknowledges both the opportunity and the friction that change brings. Inspired by County Commissioner initiatives like “Conversations with Crawley” in Columbus, she advocates for low-barrier, informal touchpoints with elected officials to improve trust and representation.Community WeavingRather than call herself a “community builder,” Hassan prefers the title “community weaver”—someone who identifies common ground across disparate groups and knits them into mutual purpose. Her track record includes outreach across Central Ohio’s immigrant and refugee populations, creating meaningful connection by sharing resources and listening to experiences.On Growth, Development, and EquityHassan didn’t shy away from the difficult balance between development and community sentiment. Living near the Hill Farm II project, she emphasized a desire for greater foresight and transparency from city leadership, suggesting early problem-solving (like addressing traffic safety / connectivity) should help diffuse tension before final votes.Tech Futures & EconomyWhile new to some of the city's development lingo (Converge, Hilliard City Lab, etc.), Hassan sees the city's tech-forward posture as both promising and already yielding results. She’s pragmatic about the long game, encouraging residents to understand that big bets on infrastructure are how cities stay ready and maintain economic momentum.Representation & InclusionDr. Hassan responded to Tim’s thoughtful question about our growing diversity and addressed the ongoing evolution and relationship between Hilliard’s Muslim and non-Muslim populations. As a growing demographic, the Muslim community is still early in its political participation. Hassan, a convert to Islam herself as a young adult, seems uniquely positioned to serve as both “gate opener” and bridge, fostering trust on both sides of the important cultural conversation.https://www.instagram.com/dr._d_hassan/- Keep up with her events and posts on Instagramhttps://www.facebook.com/people/Dorothy-Hassan-for-Hilliard/61571702911631/#- Contact Dorothy on FacebookStay connected to the Hilliard Beacon for more candidate interviews in the days and weeks to come…The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

For this sequel we re-engage with Letty on projects old and new* Ongoing engagement with the larger municipal development community on roundabouts and other traffic mitigation systems.* Major Leap Road project south of Cemetery. The wide scope and lengthy timeline.* Respecting neighborhoods with design that encourages the right kind of traffic behavior.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.* The different eras of Hilliard neighborhood growth and trends.* Latest on the sidewalk maintenance program and some street tree history.* The development over the years of “mobility” as a guiding principle for Letty’s work and also the city’s ability to retain residents as they age.* Trail Talk (tm) About the latest happenings regarding the Hellbranch and Heritage Trails multi-jurisdictional development.* Pedestrian Safety & the phenomenon of cars driving straight into buildings.* R O U N D A B O U T S* Truman Boulevard Traffic and TruePointe Development.* Wolpert Property and the differences between tech oriented commercial growth and residential development from a transport perspective.* Cooperation and problem solving advantages within an administrative government where collaboration is encouraged and supported.* A little talk about social reproduction and what it takes to make suburbs vital communities.Thank you, Letty! We look forward to making it a trilogy!HOWEVEROuch! We’re losing the studio…We regularly discuss that it is better to know “where the bulldozers are going,” rather than be surprised by them. It’s even better still when you can play a part in directing those bulldozers. Last week we kinda got bulldozed!The first installment of the story comes below the following paid subscription line. In the fullness of time we’ll be able to release the complete story to the entire readership. Just know our publication appreciates every reader and now, more than ever, we could use your paid support to continue the Hilliard Beacon and steady our future. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

Jordan, Kevin and Tim convene for an update-heavy episode, covering city council developments, school funding concerns at the state level, and reflections on recent interviews with Jay Timmons (National Association of Manufacturers) and John Bair (Converge Technologies).City Council UpdatesKevin recaps a lengthy Monday (3/10) night city council meeting focused on zoning, annexation, and infrastructure concerns:* Hill Farm 2 Development: A proposed residential expansion west of Hilliard (231 acres) drew significant public feedback, particularly about stub roads opening into existing neighborhoods. City Engineer Letty Schamp explained the history of these eventual planned connections. The next reading is scheduled for March 24.* Wolpert Property Rezoning: Approved after a second reading. This purchase and zoning will set the stage for a tech-focused industrial park near Britton Farms.* Sunrise Academy Annexation Request: The private school’s expansion plans on Cosgray Road remain in limbo as council seeks a more concrete development plan before approving annexation.* Water & Sewer Tap Allocations: Council formalized a policy on Columbus-allocated tap limits, impacting future developments, including Hill Farm 2.Legal & Real Estate InsightsJordan digs into some new updates on the Britton Parkway Holdings / Noor Islamic Cultural Center’s legal dispute with the city over the BMW property. Drawing on analysis and statements from attorneys Christopher Burch and Nathan Painter, the pod breaks down some key real estate terms and issues:* Deed-in-Lieu: According to statements from both attorneys, Noor acquired the promissory note (and mortgage rights) at auction. Then, via a financial maneuver akin to taking over an existing mortgage rather than a traditional purchase, both parties avoided foreclosure sale complexities.* Arm’s-Length Sale: According to Attorney Burch, one aspect of the legal test now before the Board of Revision will be whether BPH/Noor’s acquisition qualifies as a sale of this type between “disinterested” buyer and a seller without “compulsion or duress.”* Property Tax Challenge: BPH is disputing the currently assessed value (27mil+) and asking for a revision down to 2.75mil - reflecting their claim of a distressed environment for Class-A office space and the auction price.School Funding & State Budget ConcernsHilliard City Schools sent out a call to action regarding state funding formulas. Jordan does his best unpacking the budget mechanics:* The Fair School Funding Plan has been struggling with voucher expansion and inflationary base costs not being fully factored in.* Without adjustments, Hilliard could ‘lose’ $12.5M from Fiscal Year ‘26 through FY’29, affecting district stability.* The district urges residents to contact state legislators (Lett, Cockley, Russo, Reynolds, Liston, DeMora) to advocate for full funding adjustments.* You can see the full text of the email from Treasurer Swearingen and Superintendent Stewart (along with representative contact information) towards the end of our piece here.Economic Development & Tech InvestmentsReflecting on interviews with Timmons and Bair, the team discuss:* Ohio’s shifting manufacturing base from the previous generation (our lifetime) of brutal outsourcing of heavy industry to the current growth of small and medium-scale manufacturing / advanced tech production.* Hilliard’s policy plans and strategic bets on the tech sector, using economic development tools like the Hilliard Development Corporation and Opportunity Hilliard.Community Notes & Closing* Kevin lets us know The Tim Ward Park naming and selection discussion continues as his family pushes for more prominent recognition.* Then our Tim previews the upcoming Beatles vs. Stones concert Friday night March 21st at Natalie’s in Grandview. He’ll be capably filling in for Ringo - probably in a nice shirt with a collar if that’s some kind of dealbreaker.* Jordan teases upcoming Democratic city council candidate interviews, part of the Beacon’s commitment to local election coverage.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

In our 100th outing, the Beacon brought together the usual crew of Tim, Kevin, and Jordan with manufacturing heavyweight Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, for an in‐depth conversation about the past, present, and future of American (and Ohio) manufacturing.The discussion, which started with Jay’s Hilliard stop at Armstrong World Industries and continues through his stay in Washington, D.C., highlighted Ohio’s storied industrial legacy—from the era of smoky, hard-edged factories to today’s sleek, technology-driven production facilities.Timmons, an Ohio native with deep personal ties to the manufacturing boom, reminded us of his links to Mead paper mill through his grandfather, framing the transformation of manufacturing as not only a matter of technological innovation but also of a necessary community economic growth for thriving regions and markets.Throughout the interview, Timmons stressed the importance of sound policy—comparable to the certainty manufacturers need to make long-term investments. He makes the case for the extension of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts (down from 35% to 21% in 2017 for corporations), smart regulatory reform, and more targeted tariff and trade policies as essential to protecting jobs and attracting new investments.“Mother Mead” was gone after 121 years, leaving a trail of orphans and mourners!The conversation also covered exciting new projects, from potential Intel and Honda “fabs” to advanced drone factories and localized energy plants, showcasing the potential for the nationwide resurgence of American manufacturing.Moving into workforce development, the group discussed initiatives aimed at bridging the skills gap through partnerships with local schools and apprenticeship programs. Timmons outlined additional major ambitions like increasing the participation of women in the sector and expanding the current workforce of 700,000 Ohio manufacturing employees, with hopes for significant boosting of those job numbers in the coming years.From Ohio reminiscences to policy debates, this conversation reminds us of the workers in industry trying to honor their roots and innovate for the future— critical to ensuring that our state, and America at large, regains ground in the realm of global manufacturing.The Hilliard Beacon is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Hilliard Beacon Audio Companion, Jordan, Kevin and Tim sit down with John Bair, CEO and CTO of Converge Technologies, to explore the cutting edge of Ohio’s growing tech sector.Bair shares his journey from learning circuit board manufacturing in Mentor, Ohio, founding and selling a successful tech company, and now overseeing Converge Technologies. The discussion primarily covers how Central Ohio’s tech landscape has evolved, from early computing services hubs to the present-day boom with companies like Intel, AWS, Anduril and other major players choosing Ohio as a major portion of their base.A theme John highlights and returns to is the need for a skilled workforce. This has come up in many recent conversations. Bair describes Converge’s high school and college internship programs, where students gain hands-on experience in circuit board design, manufacturing, and robotics—an effort aimed at countering what he perceives as a generational decline in hands-on mechanical and technical skills.The conversation also looks at ongoing efforts at commercialization and practical applications. Bair says his engineer mindset means Converge will always be working to turn research and patents into real-world deliverables. Notable projects include a fentanyl detection system for first responders, algae-killing drones for environmental management, and innovative radar systems.Finally, Bair addresses the rise of drone surveillance and AI-enhanced policing, touching on ethical concerns and the fine line between security and overreach. With Hilliard’s growing reputation as supported tech hub, Bair sees the region’s talent and investment paving the way for the “Midwest Silicon Valley.”We found it a compelling look at some of the future unfolding in our own backyard—and we hope you enjoy the conversation. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hilliardbeacon.substack.com/subscribe