Girard resigns as Bixby mayor, council member

By John Dobberstein, Editor

BIXBY — Major churn in Bixby’s leadership continues this week after Bixby Mayor and Ward 4 City Councilor Brad Girard announced his resignation Friday.

Girard said it was with “deep sadness’ that he was making the decision. Vice-Mayor Bobby Shultz will step in immediately to serve as acting mayor and will maintain that role until the City Council elects a new mayor during its upcoming meeting on June 8.

The resignation comes only days after Bixby City Manager Joey Wiedel was arrested for driving under the influence. Wiedel was suspended and Bixby Police Chief Todd Blish was appointed to serve as acting city manager until the situation with Wiedel is resolved in court.

Girard didn’t mention that case by name but said in a Facebook message: Friday “Bottom line: Looking back, I should have handled a recent employee matter differently than I did in the moment.” He did not elaborate.

Girard said it had been “the honor of my life to serve this community, and I am deeply grateful for the trust and support of our residents, and dedicated city staff.

“This chapter has been filled with challenges and triumphs, and I am proud of the progress we’ve made together — improving public safety, fostering transparency, working on regional relationships, and investing in our city’s future.”

Girard said he was stepping aside, but “not going anywhere. Bixby is home, and I feel it’s best days are ahead.”

In an official statement, the city said it, “extends its deepest gratitude to Mayor Girard for his exceptional years of service. His tenure was defined by strong leadership, genuine compassion for others, and an unwavering commitment to the Bixby community.”