Bexley Mayor Ben Kessler will leave office on September 30, 2026, ending a 14-year tenure leading the City of Bexley, Ohio. Kessler is stepping down to become the Executive Director of the Regional Housing Coalition at The Columbus Partnership.

Read in Somali ↓

In his new role, Kessler will focus on shaping regional housing strategy to accommodate population growth and workforce demands across Central Ohio. Speaking in an interview on WOSU 89.7 NPR News with Morning Edition host Stu Osborne, Kessler noted that expanding quality housing access is essential for supporting local employers and mitigating homelessness and housing insecurity throughout the region.

Reflecting on his time leading Bexley, Kessler pointed to various community development efforts, including the expansion of parks and green spaces, pedestrian safety measures, and business growth along Main Street. He described his career as mayor as a rewarding experience centered on community building.

“I really enjoyed my work working here as mayor of the city of Bexley,” Kessler said. “It’s been an incredibly rewarding career getting to help shape change in our community and really make improvements throughout the time that I was working here.”

Asked about what lies ahead for his successor, Kessler emphasized the unpredictable nature of municipal leadership.

“It’s a job that you will always be surprised by,” Kessler told WOSU 89.7 NPR News. “It will demand more of you than you can imagine. And there’s never a dull moment.”

A process is currently underway to select the next mayor of the City of Bexley.

Source: WOSU — Original report

Wararka Af-Soomaaliga

Duqa Bexley Ben Kessler Oo Xilka Ka Degaya 14 Sano Ka Dib

Duqa Magaalada Bexley, Ben Kessler, ayaa xilka ka degaya 30-ka Sebtembar, 2026, iyadoo ay ku egtahay 14 sano oo uu hoggaaminayay magaaladaas ku taalla gobolka Ohio. Kessler ayaa banneynaya xafiiska si uu u noqdo Agaasimaha Fulinta ee Isbahaysiga Guriyeynta Gobolka (Regional Housing Coalition) oo hoos taga ururka The Columbus Partnership.

Shaqadiisa cusub, Kessler wuxuu diiradda ku saari doonaa qaabaynta siyaasadda guriyeynta ee gobolka, si wax looga qabto korodhka dadweynaha iyo baahida shaqaalaha ee bartamaha Ohio. Isagoo wareysi siinayay WOSU 89.7 NPR News oo uu la yeeshay wariyaha barnaamijka Morning Edition ee Stu Osborne, Kessler wuxuu sheegay in kor u qaadidda fursadaha guriyeynta tayada leh ay muhiim u tahay taageerada shaqo-bixiyeyaasha gobolka iyo kahortagga hoy-la’aanta.

Isagoo dib u eegaya muddadii uu maamulayay Bexley, Kessler wuxuu muujiyay guulaha la gaaray ee dhanka horumarinta bulshada, iyadoo la ballaariyay beeraha dadweynaha, la hagaajiyay badbaadada socodlaha, laguna dhiirrigeliyay ganacsiga waddada weyn ee Main Street.

“Runtii aad ayaan ugu helay shaqadayda duqnimada magaalada Bexley,” ayuu yiri Kessler. “Waxay ahayd xirfad aad u qiimo badan oo ii oggolaatay inaan gaafeeyo isbeddelka bulshadeenna oo aan horumarro dhab ah sameeyo intii aan halkas ka shaqaynayay.”

Markii la weydiiyay shaqada ka horreysa qofka beddeli doona, Kessler wuxuu tilmaamay xaaladaha kala duwan iyo filanwaaga ka jira hoggaanka dowladda hoose.

“Waa shaqo aad mar walba ka yaabi doonto,” ayuu Kessler u sheegay WOSU 89.7 NPR News. “Waxay kaa dalban doontaa wax ka badan waxa aad qiyaasi karto. Mana jiro waqti caajis ah.”

Hadda waxaa socda hannaan lagu doonayo in lagu soo doorto duqa cusub ee maamuli doona Magaalada Bexley.

Xigasho: WOSU