Bexley honors longtime councilmember Laurie Ann Bridal with proclamation on final meeting

At its Dec. 16 meeting, Bexley City Council paid tribute to councilmember Laurie Ann Bridal, who is leaving the council after 12 years of service.

Multiple council members and the mayor praised Bridal's leadership, community-building work and policy achievements, including past actions such as adopting a nondiscrimination ordinance and adding source-of-income protections to the city's fair-housing rules. Speakers noted Bridal's contributions to events, senior programming and parks, and repeatedly thanked her for mentorship and steady leadership.

Mayor Ben Kessler read a proclamation honoring Bridal and declared Dec. 16, 2025 as "Laurie Ann Bridal Day" in the city of Bexley, citing committee service, volunteer recruitment for city events, and steady council leadership. Council suggested gathering for a group photograph with the mayor and Bridal after adjournment.

What happens next: council adjourned after the proclamation; a Board of Control meeting was scheduled to follow immediately after the council session.