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.
