Inaugural address, Northview High School

November 14, 2006

I would like to thank and congratulate my fellow citizens of Johns Creek on this triumphant day.  I also thank those that have come to honor our great city and our newly elected officials.

Importantly, I want to thank the representatives of the US armed services who have privileged us with their presence today for their service at home and in harms way in Iraq and other regions of the world.

Most importantly, I want to thank my family: my children Jake and Keri, and my wife, Aileen, without whose support and sacrifice, I would not be standing before you today.

We have had many hallmarks in our struggle for self-governance:  the introduction, passage and signing of HB 1321; and of course our referendum vote on July 18th were a few of the more celebrated events.

But for me, our true independence came just last week. On Election Day, November 7, the citizens of Johns Creek came out in enormous numbers to cast their ballots for their first City Council and Mayor—a true celebration of the freedoms we so enjoy as Americans. Finally, after months of struggles and thousands of hours of hard work, we have a clear voice in our government—a government of the people, and by the people of Johns Creek.

It is my hope that none of us ever forget our good fortune to live in a land where, on every level of society, a determined group of individuals can gather together and affect positive change.

Thanks to the hard work, and dedication of hundreds, and the votes of thousands, we now can pursue what is best for our families. We can seek to make our vision a reality. We can take back local control of our future. And, most importantly, our opportunities will be limited only by our willingness to take part, to stay involved and to serve a greater good.

I welcome you today, as fellow citizens of Johns Creek, to the beginning of our city. It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of and work alongside some of the most hard working and gifted volunteers I could ever imagine. It was those dedicated souls who made our city the reality we celebrate today. As that journey to cityhood reaches the closing stages, we look forward to our next journey of building our City and we rejoice in the opportunity to touch the future.

I implore you today, as citizens to stay the course; join us, your elected representatives as we roll up our sleeves and begin the second and far greater journey—completing the dream: building the great City of Johns Creek.

Together we can build a city that will reflect the best in each of us – a City that will respect her citizens, embrace her neighbors, and improve our quality of life.

Over the past year and a half, there has been much talk about the finances of Johns Creek—but there has been little talk of our most valuable asset—our people. Together, we make up the unique fabric that is Johns Creek. We are a people who treasure our past, as evidenced by the amazing commitment given to the Autry Mill Nature Preserve, and embrace our future—as seen in our dedication to building a healthy, wholesome learning environment for our children.

Working together, in the spirit of the past several months, we will build a city that is responsive to the needs and goals of its citizens. Our government will truly be one of the people, serving the people. We will demand the very best from our elected officials and our elected officials will ask for your very best in return. We will ask for your input and we will respect your advice. In short, we will listen and we will think, before we act.

This is your city and I pledge, as your mayor, never to forget that.  I challenge you as citizens to stay the course, begin the second great journey and remember that the future of Johns Creek begins today and it is in all of our hands.

As we embark on this adventure, I humbly ask for your support, your commitment and your prayers and I thank you for the honor to serve as your Mayor.

Respectfully,

Mike Bodker
Mayor