Mayor Ben Kessler ran unopposed in Tuesday’s election, resulting in another four-year term as the mayor of Bexley.
One of Kessler’s major goals as he continues his title as mayor is to address areas of the city that may often be overlooked. More specifically, he would like to focus on Livignston Avenue as well as North Cassidy Avenue. Both of these streets are on the border of Bexley. Kessler hopes to work with neighboring Columbus communities to improve such issues as development and crime.
Kessler also plans to continue to increase safety services in the neighborhood. With this comes the hiring of new police officers and setting aside room in the budget to improve street lighting.
Issue 17, the renewal of the tax levy, was on the big items on the ballot for Bexley residents. It passed comfortably with an 80 percent approval. Since 1975, this renewal has appeared on ballots every five years. The campaign that surrounded Issue 17 stressed that it was a renewal that called for the same amount of money that it has for the past 40 years. This helps the city continue with normal operations such as police and recreation. It passed with a very comfortable margin.
Voters also took their pick between five candidates to fill four seats on Bexley City Council. The elected Bexley councilmen are Tim Madison, Steve Keyes, Mary Gottesman, and Troy Markham.
Tim Madison will be continuing his role as a councilman for another term. During the next four years he hopes to continue to seek the input of residents and their vision for Bexley, assist the Bexley Police Department, and maintain a balanced budget and seek alternative means of revenue.
Stephen Keyes will also be continuing his position on the Bexley City Council. One particular area he plans to focus on in the coming term will involve following through on plans to stabilize and improve the Ferndale-Mayfield area. He believes that with the right focus and the right resources, this small and often overlooked corner of broader Bexley community can become better connected in a way that improves the Bexley experience for everyone.
“I am looking forward to working with my fellow council members and the city administration over the next four years to continue and expand upon Bexley’s success as a fantastic place to live, learn, work, and play,” Keyes said.
Voters also elected two new members to Bexley City Council. Mary Gottesman and Troy Markham are ready to begin their first term.
Markham has lived in Bexley for 20 years and is excited to contribute to the community. He plans to focus on Creative Commerce on Main Street and improve the neighborhoods on Bexley’s perimeter.
During her time on Council, Gottesman has many plans in store. She plans to improve transparency in governance by challenging fellow Council Members to forgo use of Executive Session except in matters of personnel and property purchase, enhanced receptivity. Gottesman also plans to organize active outreach to residents to engage them in city issues and building a Healthy Bexley initiative to support the physical, mental, and social well-being of all residents.
“It seems like the new councilmembers will be good to work with,” Kessler said. “They have a good energy and good optimism.”
