A Thank You to Bob Bateman For Schools Service

On Aug. 15, we had the pleasure of attending a dinner given by CSE, Citizens for a Sound Economy, in honor of Bob Bateman and his 20 years as an Orange County School Board member. As we sat, surrounded by family, friends and supporters, we each thought back to 20 years ago when we all began this journey as a family.

Over those years we put up signs, handed out cards and, on election days, stood on our feet and thanked voters for their support from dawn to dusk. We celebrated victories and shared disappointments. We’ve watched him work diligently on other people’s campaigns, only to have them turn on him when his support was no longer needed. We’ve read letters opposing his views and, in recent years, had to watch as a small group of people tried to ruin his name and reputation.

But more importantly, we watched him give over 20 years of his life to something he believed in wholeheartedly. No matter how bad things got, he never gave up. He never forgot the commitment he made to the people, and the children, of Orange County.

So, as this chapter in our lives comes to a close, we, Bob’s children, would like to take the opportunity to say thank you. Thanks to all the people who worked so hard to organize the tribute to our father. Thanks to the voters for giving him the opportunity to make a difference. We’d like to thank those who, through the years, not only supported our father, but supported us with your kind words and encouragement.

We’d like to thank our mother, who never chose to be in politics, but has endured it all, just the same. Most importantly, we want to thank our father for being exactly who he is. We learned the importance of hard work, honesty, integrity, loyalty and love, all by example. Life is a dance. Thank you for teaching us the steps. We love you.

Mark, Kim and Lori

Hillsborough