Todd Portune facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Todd Portune
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Portune at a public hearing in 2017
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| Hamilton County Commissioner | |
| In office January 2, 2001 – December 31, 2019 |
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| Preceded by | Bob Bedinghaus |
| Succeeded by | Victoria Parks (acting) |
| Cincinnati City Council | |
| In office 1993–2001 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
Todd Brian Portune
August 14, 1958 Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Died | January 25, 2020 (aged 61) Cincinnati, Ohio |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | 3 |
| Education |
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| Occupation | Attorney |
Todd Brian Portune (born August 14, 1958 – died January 25, 2020) was an American lawyer and politician. He served as a member of the Cincinnati City Council and later as a Hamilton County Commissioner. Portune was known for his balanced approach to politics, caring about social issues while also being careful with money.
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Early Life and Education
Todd Portune was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1958. His father was a professor at the University of Cincinnati. Todd grew up in the West Side area of Cincinnati. When he was 14, his father passed away. His mother then went back to work to support Todd and his two brothers.
Todd graduated from Colerain High School in 1976. He then went to Oberlin College, where he earned a degree in political science in 1980. In 1983, he finished his studies at the University of Cincinnati College of Law. After that, he became a lawyer in Cincinnati.
Political Career Highlights
Todd Portune dedicated many years to public service. He held important roles in both city and county government.
Serving on the Cincinnati City Council
In 1993, Todd Portune was chosen to fill an empty spot on the Cincinnati City Council. This council helps make decisions for the city. He was then elected by voters to serve two-year terms in 1993, 1995, 1997, and 1999.
Becoming a County Commissioner
In 2000, Portune was elected as a Hamilton County Commissioner. Commissioners are leaders who help manage the county. At that time, Cincinnati usually voted for Democratic candidates. However, the areas outside the city often supported Republicans.
Todd Portune was the first Democrat from the suburbs to be elected Commissioner in 36 years. He won with 48% of the votes, while his opponent received 43%. He officially started his role on January 2, 2001. In 2004, voters re-elected him, giving him 57% of the votes.
Considering a Run for Governor
In December 2013, Todd Portune announced he was thinking about running for governor of Ohio in the 2014 elections. He traveled around Ohio in late 2013 and early 2014. He met with voters to see if he would have enough support to run.
He even talked with Jack Ford, a former mayor of Toledo, Ohio, about being his running mate for Lieutenant Governor. However, on January 31, 2014, Portune decided not to run for governor. This decision came just a few days before the deadline to sign up for the election.
Personal Life
Todd Portune lived in Green Township with his wife, Angelia. They had three children: Ellyse Lautner Portune, Ethan Portune, and Emma Portune.
Later Life and Passing
In 2003, Todd Portune was diagnosed with cancer. He faced health challenges that affected his ability to move. In 2018, he had surgery to remove his left leg. After a period of being free from cancer, it unfortunately returned and spread.
In September 2019, Portune announced that he would not run for re-election in 2020. The next month, he shared that he would retire at the end of the year. His chief of staff, Victoria Parks, took over his duties for the rest of his term. Todd Portune passed away from cancer on January 25, 2020, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was 61 years old.
