Servant Leadership
Serving on Council these last 4 years has been an honor, and it is my hope that the residents of Bexley will vote and support me for another term.
January 2020 to the present day has been filled with ups, downs, celebrations, setbacks and major victories. Below are some examples of the important progress that I have been honored to be a part of:
- Establishing an infrastructure fund to help fund our infrastructure and parks
- Establishing and increasing funding for the Senior Center and senior services
- Creating a DORA for our businesses and residents
- Establishing a dry basement program for our residents to help with flooding and infrastructure
- Working with residents and stakeholders to review and update our building code and redefine our commercial districts
- Established traffic calming measures with resident input on Roosevelt and Drexel
- Help hire our new police chief, Gary Lewis
- Removing the sidewalk replacement financial burden on residents
- Chairing and serving on the DEI strategic committee; Land Use Commission 2.0, Rec Board; BZAP & ARB; Front yard Corner lot group; CIC (Community Improvement Corporation);
For the next 4 years, I plan to continue to work with City Council, administration, and consultants by keeping our City’s focus on the following:
- Development of our City’s commercial districts by reviewing and updating building code
- Funding and expanding the repair and replacement of City Infrastructure
- Facilitate the execution of our City’s strategic plan
- Continue to advocate for progressive, meaningful legislation that will empower us to be good stewards of our community and environment for Bexley’s
- Continuing to work as a consensus builder and foster the team environment that we have created on Council.
- Working with City administration to ensure we are committed to preserving our City’s charm and uniqueness.
Team Driven
I didn’t know much about local government before serving, but one of the many things I’ve learned during this term is that when a group of open-minded, thoughtful, respectful people who care about this City work as a team to get things done, then great things can happen even during and after a generation transforming pandemic.
My whole life I have been involved in team sports, and I love very much to be a part of a team that comes together, sets goals, and then works hard to accomplish those goals. I have found just THAT in these last 4 years serving on the council, and it has been very fulfilling to serve the community and all of you in this role. With that, I would like to recognize my fellow council members, Mayor, auditor, city attorney, and city staff who serve with me on this team. They’re special people, and they make it fun. They made the decision to run for another four years, an easy one.
My passion is construction and team building. It’s why I left contracting 2 years ago and went to work on the owner’s side of construction. I wanted to affect and drive construction projects from inception through completion. Helping to form and be a part of a cohesive team that executes a vision.
My focus as your council member is on our facilities and utilities improvement as well as critical thinking while team and consensus building.
Gratitude
I could not be doing this without the support of my family and friends. Special thanks to Jess ( my wife), Cole, and Taylor (kids) for helping to throw this party. Aaron Bucco, for all of your advice and guidance as my friend and treasurer. All of the moms, dads, friends, and neighbors believed in me that this was even possible and helped me every step of the way.
There are so many wonderful things that have been done over the last 4 years, and it has been very rewarding to be a part of it. I thank all of you for your support 4 years ago, and thank you again for your support this year to try and do more over the next 4 years. It has been an honor and my pleasure to serve all of you.
Cheers.
Matt Klingler
Bexley Neighbor’s Thoughts
Having grown up in Bexley, we were so lucky to meet Matt and the Klingler family 5 years ago when our sons went to preschool together. He is without a doubt such a “people person” – fun and engaging – yet so sincere and authentic. In a world full of distractions, Matt is always focused and listening with genuine care no matter the gravity of the conversation. As our son’s soccer coach, our kids absolutely thrived because of his positivity, motivation, and “all in” mentality. I have no doubt that Matt’s open-mindedness and his passion for giving back will bring a fresh perspective to our city with the people’s best interests in mind. He truly puts others first and we would be so lucky to have him as our voice. – Lindsay Ricart, Bexley neighbor and awesome person
“I have known Matt Klingler and his family since he was in grade school. Matt is a stable, caring, mature young man who loves his family, his community and his fellow man. I cannot think of a better candidate for the Bexley city council. Matt has always been for doing the right thing, not just the popular thing” — Bobby Cull, Bexley PD (retired)
“I’ve seen Matt in action with the men’s group at our church…He’s a real motivator to young and old (wiser)! Matt’s experience in the construction industry gives him a keen insight into understanding how the “details” and the “whole” are interconnected. He’s a systematic thinker.” — Peter Krajnak, Bexley neighbor and Knight of Columbus
About Me
- Husband to Jessika and father to Cole (11) and Taylor (10)
- Graduate of St. Charles Preparatory School
- B.S. in Agriculture from The Ohio State University
- Currently, Construction Manager for The City of Columbus
- Former 12 year construction project manager for Farber Corporation
- Former 4 year member of JATC Board for Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 189
- Active in St. Catharine Parish
- Current Member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Catharine
- Was an arborist for Davey Tree Co. for 3 years
- Volunteer basketball coach for my children and Diocese of Columbus
In my free time, I love to play and coach basketball and go on adventures with my family
