Bodker:Support Johns Creek Businesses

by Jennifer Chapman / Appen Newspapers

January 29, 2009 It seems the economy is on everyone's minds these days and Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker is thinking about it too.

Bodker told members of the Johns Creek North Fulton Rotary Club that while many businesses in the city have failed, residents and other business owners can do their part to maintain an economically viable city."The single thing we can do in 2009 is choose to use Johns Creek," said Bodker.He brought forth the "Choose to Use Johns Creek" initiative during last year's State of the City address, asking residents and businesses to use the city's name when referring to where they reside or own a business in an effort to publicize the city.

Now, in light of the economic climate, he's asking residents to make a conscious choice when setting out to shop, dine or run errands around the city.Bodker said if Johns Creek businesses are thriving, more companies will want to make their home in the city.As for the city of Johns Creek's finances, Bodker said they've been able to maintain a balanced budget."As of this moment, I'm not worried," he said. "We're able to control our costs ... and we're working through it."

He added that applications for business licenses and permits are down about 50 percent.Regionally speaking, Bodker said he's hopeful that the bill introduced to the General Assembly to re-create Milton County will pass in the legislature."Starting up a county is going to be more difficult than starting a city," said Bodker.

He added that the re-creation of Milton County will help school systems and local government as well as improve services to residents.Bodker also mentioned that he would like to receive more feedback from local residents and business owners about city issues."I believe it's my responsibility to try to get people involved," he said.