HAMILTON COUNTY, Ohio — Hamilton County Commissioners on Monday morning dedicated the County Administration Building in honor of the late Todd Portune.
Portune, the longest-serving elected commissioner in Hamilton County history, died of cancer on Jan. 25, 2020. The 61-year-old spent 27 years in public service, where he was known for a tireless work ethic and devotion to the needs of average citizens.
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Hamilton County Commissioner Denise Driehaus, a longtime friend of Portune, said he was prolific in his vision and iconic for his leadership and compassion.
“He worked up to the very last moment to make sure he got done as much as possible for the people of this county,” Driehaus said.
The name of the building — the Todd B. Portune Center for County Government — is fitting because he often spoke in long phrases that would capture everything he was trying to accomplish, Driehaus said.
Former Hamilton County Commissioner Victoria Parks agreed the name of the building should be long.
“Doesn’t it sound just like him,” Parks said with a laugh.
Parks, who spearheaded the intiative, said she wanted to dedicate the building to Portune because she wanted honor his legacy and public service.
"It would be more fitting to dedicate heart and soul, the way Todd dedicated his to us," Parks said.
Ethan Portune, Todd Portune’s son, said renaming the building is fitting, considering the number of hours his father spent there.
Ethan said his father didn’t hold his position for power or recognition; he exemplified what it meant to be a public servant.
“I just hope that this gesture … reminds everyone when they go to work that day just to be a little more like Todd,” Ethan said.
