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Six North Fulton cities form municipal association

The mayors of North Fulton's six cities came together today to formally organize the North Fulton Municipal Association and elected Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker as its first chairman.

Mayors Bodker, Arthur Letchas of Alpharetta, Joe Lockwood from Milton, Deborah Upham of Mountain Park, Jere Wood of Roswell and Eva Galambos from Sandy Springs began meeting together about five months ago to talk about transportation issues. That led to discussion on a broader range of issues and the decision to create a more formal coalition.

"The goal of the North Fulton Municipal Association is to promote intergovernmental cooperation among our six cities and provide a stronger voice on issues and events of mutual concern or interest to our communities," Bodker said.

He emphasized that the NFMA will only address or take positions on issues in which there is unanimous agreement among the six leaders; otherwise, the cities will address them individually.

Bodker added that the organization also will serve as a vehicle for various departments and individuals in the member cities to share best practices and ideas, working together "to provide cost-effective and efficient solutions for our residents."

Roswell's Wood is pleased to be involved with the NFMA.

"There is certainly a lot of work to be done and the formation of this association is a good beginning," Wood said. "I have a good feeling about the relationships among all the cities involved and look forward to working with my colleagues to address the issues that affect us all."

Bodker said he was honored that his fellow mayors selected him as the group's inaugural chair but "first and foremost I'm excited that we have gotten the organization formed. It is a huge step forward for North Fulton's cities as we work hand in hand to solve problems and address the issues."

The other NFMA officers are Galambos, who was elected vice chair, and Wood, who will serve as secretary/treasurer.