Obama re-election gets mixed reaction from local businesses

Half of the country is frustrated while the other is elated over the re-election of president Barack Obama. Business owners are equally divided.

Dr. Sonya Windham-Wilder credits her staff of 17 assistants, hygienists, clinical coordinators and front desk workers for keeping her pediatric dental practice running smoothly. The Lithonia dentist credits President Obama for creating an economy that she says allowed her business to thrive even after the recession.

"Just this year alone, by us growing, I've hired eight new employees," said Windham-Wilder.

Next year, Dr. Windham-Wilder plans to hire a second dentist and five additional employees to help her open a second office. While she recognizes her income level makes it likely that she be paying higher taxes under the President's second term, she says that it's a hit she's willing to take to keep social programs like the healthcare plan intact. She admits that she was afraid Mitt Romney would keep his promise to gut the health care reform measures.

"He wasn't showing to me that he was really concerned about the poor. And regardless of, you know, where God may bless me, that's always my concern, because I went into this service to be able to help children," said Windham-Wilder.

A few miles down the road in Conyers, David Cooper is dreading the next four years as a small business owner with 28 employees on his payroll

"I see regulation upon regulation. I see him beefing up of EPA. I see him doing things to stifle our energy," said Cooper.

The owner of Premier Platforms rents, sells and services scissor lifts, forks lifts and other equipment critical in the construction industry. He's concerned that the President's energy policies --especially when it comes to drilling for oil on federal land -- will continue to hurt the construction industry and hamper his growth.

"The reason is because what happens to our construction industry right here in the state of Georgia. That's where my fleet is deployed," said Cooper.

The one thing both business owners agree on is that small businesses and the middle class are the backbone of the American economy. They're hoping lawmakers on both sides will work together to move the country forward.