Cynthia Vermillion is running for Hilliard City Council to make the city government responsive to its citizens. If elected, Cynthia will listen to women’s needs and factor women into the redevelopment of Hilliard. She will focus on environmental issues by increasing green space, community gardens, and bike paths. Cynthia is a Real Estate Agent residing in Hilliard with her husband and daughter.

In 2020 Cynthia will begin her work as a Hilliard City Council Member.

Meet the Candidate

Can you tell our members a little bit about your journey to filing as a candidate?

Open and transparent government is essential to a well-functioning democracy. Hilliard city leaders have shown that transparency is not a priority. In 2018, I saw how city council members pushed through a ballot measure to change our form of government from mayoral to city manager without thoroughly reviewing the work of a citizen commission that had met for an entire year to review this issue. This lack of respect for the voices of the residents is what propelled me to run for office.

Tell our members about a friend or family member who inspired you to become a leader.

My mother told me stories of how my grandmother, orphaned and then widowed at a young age, worked hard to keep her little family fed and housed. I always admired how determined and strong my grandmother was in the face of very difficult circumstances. She would be proud to know I am a candidate for office and am endorsed by the Matriots!

Some of you are military veterans, some small business owners, some professionals, some mothers and grandmothers, some homemakers. How did one of these experiences shape who you are as a person and leader?

I grew up in San Diego, where my mom was an avid listener of news programs in Spanish. From an early age, I was very aware of the corruption in Mexico. I enjoyed listening right along with her. As I grew older, I became aware of corrupt practices right here in my own country. I have always felt that honesty and full transparency is essential to good governance. I became more politically active in 2008 with the Obama campaign and haven’t looked back.

The Matriots PAC has a goal to see 50% of all elected offices in Ohio held by women by 2028. What is your vision for Ohio in 2028?

Just over half of Hilliard’s population is women, so I would definitely like to see at least 4 of the 7 seats be filled by women from the community. More importantly, these women should understand the importance of open and transparent government and champion the best interests of all residents.

Tip O’Neill famously said that “all politics is local.” What are the top-two issues your community or our state face today?

Hilliard is suffering from a lack of open and transparent government. I think many issues will be resolved when we become a government that is transparent to its residents. Along with the issue of transparency, go the development issues in Hilliard. If residents are allowed to have a meaningful voice in how their community is developed, I believe more people will become involved and provide valuable input into our decision-making process.

Tell us something personal about yourself.

I grew up being deathly afraid of water. It wasn’t until we moved to Ohio 15 years ago that a Columbus City swim instructor was able to help me overcome my lifelong panic of water. While not a “fun” fact, this experience made me realize that I can face hardships and challenges successfully and I can forge new paths even at my “advanced” age. 😊