An incumbent Columbus City Council member is seeking a third term while a newcomer hopes to take her place.
Councilwoman Elaine Hilber, a Democrat who represents District 2, is running for re-election against Republican Victoria Griffin.
District 2 encompasses southwest portions of the city. Due to recent redistricting changes, some areas that were previously included in the district that are now part of District 1, including downtown Columbus and a stretch of Jonathan Moore Pike from the East Fork White River to County Road 350W.
Despite the change, District 2 was still estimated to be the largest district in terms of population, with city officials calculating during the redistricting process that the changes would reduce its numbers from 12,337 residents to 9,135.
Early voting for the municipal election starts Oct. 16. Election Day is Nov. 7.
Q: What are your thoughts on the city’s riverfront project? What kind of changes do you believe would best serve the area?
Hilber: An exposed sewer line and deteriorating low head dam need to be addressed. This makes action on our part necessary and it’s logical to try to meet a community need at the same time. I would like to see changes that serve families and address the health and safety of the river.
Griffin: I believe that we must do something to develop the riverfront and repair numerous safety issues. These areas of concern include removing the low head dam, protecting the former landfill site on the west side of the river, reducing erosion of the banks and improving the Second Street pedestrian crossing.
Q: Over the last few years, the city has taken an active role in economic development through avenues such as Tax Increment Financing, tax abatements and, in the case of NexusPark, serving as one of the developers. What are your thoughts on these tools and the city’s role in fostering economic growth?
Hilber: I agree the city should intervene in strategic development opportunities, but have concerns around our existing infrastructure and the lack of urgency around maintaining our existing facilities where we currently employ people and provide services. I believe being fiscally responsible means budgeting for maintenance, not fundraising for it.
Griffin: Economic development makes us competitive with other surrounding communities. TIF and tax abatements are tools we use to foster economic growth as they allow businesses to enlarge and grow, buy new machinery and hire more workers. We have that responsibility to attract new businesses and new citizens to our community.
Q: What do you think the city should do to improve Columbus’s housing supply?
Hilber: The council can incentivize developers with dollars, but it also has the ability to create an environment to allow for different types of housing. Allowing for accessory dwellings, townhomes, duplexes, evaluating minimum lot sizes and square footage requirements are all things council can affect to have an impact on housing supply.
Griffin: Lack of housing is a complex issue that needs to be addressed on every level. Columbus is currently conducting a housing study to help us understand where gaps exist and we will be able to use these results to recruit developers to construct additional housing where shortages exist.
Q: Do you think the city’s resources and response to homelessness could be improved?
Hilber: Absolutely. We need to consider those who are not affected by addiction or mental illness. There are existing services to help people who are struggling, but those are not always easy to navigate. A coordinated effort could really make an impact on helping people either maintain housing or get housing.
Griffin: Homelessness is a national issue and a long-term problem. Homelessness has many root causes which are complex to address. We need collaboration between many groups, such as ASAP, Brighter Days, churches, social services, the city and county to address this this long-term problem.
Q: What is the number one priority you hope to address, if elected?
Hilber: Navigating the Class 2 city changes will be of utmost importance. Being able to work with at least four new people to learn what their priorities are, set legislative agendas, and move Columbus forward in a fiscally responsible way is the most important thing to me.
Griffin: I believe our city is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family but there are always challenges to be faced. I value collaboration and want to see more collaboration between the City Council and other partners as we work towards building a bright future for our community.
Elaine Hilber
Elaine Hilber
Age: 37
Previous elected positions: Columbus City Council (2015-present)
Current employer: Cummins, Inc
Educational background: Bachelors degree in marketing from Indiana University Bloomington
Current community involvement: United Way board member, Animal Care Services board member, Incentive Review Committee member, Capital Committee member and Ordinance Review Committee member.
Past community involvement: President of Chinese Association, board member of Foundation for Youth, United Way Community Impact Review Teams, Commons Board member, Park Board liaison, Mayor’s Council for Safe and Affordable Housing, Redevelopment Commission liaison and Columbus Craft Beerfest Founder.
Family: Married to Jordan Hilber with one daughter, Mila.
Victoria Griffin
Victoria Griffin
Age: 64
Previous elected positions sought: None
Current employer: Retired, formerly part owner of a family business.
Educational background: Columbus North High School (1977 graduate)
Current community involvement: Member of the Women’s Giving Circle.
Past community involvement: Board member of Columbus Area Arts Council, board member and vice president of Columbus Park Foundation, board member of the Heritage Fund, volunteer for the Mill Race Marathon and Race 2 Play supporter in rebuilding four Columbus parks.
Family: Engaged to Christopher Raskob and has two grown daughters and four grandchildren.
