Mayor Bodker Says Report 'Political Smear Job'

The Johns Creek City Council released the long-awaited investigative report on Mayor Mike Bodker at the city council meeting Monday night.

The mayor said he was unaware the report would be released that night and today, Oct. 22, responded to the report in a press release with the following statement:

"I have had the opportunity to review the report, and I welcome this opportunity to finally address what seem to have been the council's concerns over these past several months. I see three findings that are wholly unproven and based entirely on conjecture and uninformed assumptions.

"On the first issue of reduced rents, the report itself clearly states in the first footnote, 'We have no evidence that the developer sought to improperly influence the Mayor.' Without improper influence there is no charge.

"On the second issue of perhaps discussing a land issue following an Executive Session, given that this occurred well over six years ago, I have no recollection of that conversation. What is most important is the final decision, which ultimately was not to do anything to hurt the city. I am also sure it should have been addressed, over six years ago, had there been any substance to this claim.

"Finally, I have repeatedly stated publicly, and to the investigators, that Mayor Wood and I communicate often. It is what Mayors of adjoining cities do. The traffic light at Brumbelow Road is an important public safety issue. Our communication was proper and at no time did we discuss any information that was protected under the rules of Executive Session.

"As to additional claims made by witnesses in the report, I see them as simply unfounded political backbiting."

Patch also reached out to Mayor Bodker to speak with him personally about the report.

"This was a smear job from start to finish," said Bodker. "And it was handled outside of the rules of due process."

Of the three findings in the report that said the mayor had:

1. Accepted a benefit from a developer and there was a conflict of interest when he voted on at least one rezoning matter

2. That the mayor had violated the Executive Session Confidentiality in discussing a potential land purchase with the owner

3. That the mayor contacted the mayor of a neighboring city after receiving a directive from council not to contact him as it involved potential litigation.

Mayor Bodker flatly denies the investigating attorney's conclusions.  

"I haven't, and I wouldn't," said Bodker in response to the allegation that he violated executive session by discussing a land deal with a potential land owner.

"I've made mistakes but I've never intentionally done anything wrong. I've always governed the city with the best interest of the citizens and the businesses of Johns Creek in mind."