'The Real Deal:' Skokie Corporation Counsel's Career Celebrated After Retirement

SKOKIE, IL — After 30 years serving his local community, Michael Lorge has retired as Skokie's Corporation Counsel.

At Monday's Village Board meeting, many members of the community gave tributes to
Lorge's career in government, and thanked him for his work to better the community. Senators Laura Fine and Ram Villivalum also attended the meeting and honored Lorge with a joint proclamation for his retirement.

"The work you have done has created a lasting impact, including your early work as an administrative law judge the Department of college and economic opportunity, you brought great fairness, thoughtfulness and wisdom to your work while advancing the goals and mission of the
agencies you serve to meet the changing needs of the public," Gov. JB Prtizker said in a statement read by Sen. Fine at the Monday night meeting. "Your work ethic exemplified the dedication to service that residents of this state deserve and expect. You have presented the state of Illinois admirably."

During his time as a government employee, Lorge has served as a lawyer, Skokie Village Trustee, Trustee of Niles Township, Vice Chair of the Village of Skokie Plan Commission, and Counsel to the Skokie Human Relations Commission.

Mayor Ann Tennes also recognized Lorge's commitment to community service as founder and chair of the largest cultural event in the Chicago Jewish community, the Greater Chicago Jewish Festival.

As Corporation Counsel, Lorge drafted unique concepts for gun safety , the Hate Incident Project, neighborhood integrity progressive zoning concepts, dynamic ideas to enable economic development and fed the successful litigation ensuring fair water rights and rates for Skokie.

"From our first conversation, I could tell you were the real deal. You've always been authentic, empathetic, professional, and above all, committed to this community in a way that's rare and truly meaningful," Trustee Keith Robinson said at the meeting. "Skokie has been really lucky to have you and your legacy here will absolutely go on."