by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
Two words were spoken over and over again Thursday night as friends and family gathered at the Garden Club to celebrate George Bateh’s 35-year career at the State Attorney’s Office.
“Good man.”
“They were very kind,” said Bateh, of the praise his friends showered on him. “They exaggerate, but they are good friends.”
Bateh has been at the State Attorney’s Office through six mayors. He was sworn in as an Assistant State Attorney in 1973 and retired last week.
As a prosecutor, Bateh specialized in homicide prosecutions and later became supervisor of the 4th Judicial Circuit’s Court Division of the State Attorney’s Office.
“When I first started, I thought I‘d be here for a year or two,” said Bateh. “One good year led to another and I’ve been here for 35 years.”
He was thankful for the leadership of former State Attorney and Mayor Ed Austin (1974-91) and current State Attorney Harry Shorstein (1991- present).
“They provided political stability,” said Bateh. “That allowed the prosecutors to do their jobs.”
Now it is someone else’s turn to do the job because Bateh is going to enjoy taking it easy for a while.
“I’m going to be Mr. Mom,” said Bateh. “My youngest, Serene, is still in school, so I’ll look after her and get involved in some volunteer work.”