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THIS POINT. HIS CANCER HAS RETURNED, SPREAD AND FORCED HIM TO FOREGO ANOTHER CAMPAIGN. AFTER TWENTY-SEVEN YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE, TODD PORTUNE TOLD A ROOMFUL OF FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS. HE SEES A DAY COMING WHEN HE WILL LIKELY RESIGN HIS COUNTY COMMISSION SEAT. HE WAS FLANKED BY HIS DAUGHTER, ELISE, AND SON, ETHAN. I LOVE ALL OF YOU. AND IT’S BEEN A GREAT RIDE AND THERE’S STILL A LITTLE BIT MORE OF THE RIDE TO GO. JOHN HE’S SIXTY-ONE, IN A WHEELCHAIR, HAVING BATTLED A QUARTER CENTURY OF TUMORS AND DEBILITATING HEALTH. HERE HE IS IN COLLEGE, SETTING RECORDS IN TRACK. HIS OFFICE DISPLAYS A LIFE THAT REFUSED TO LET PERSONAL PHYSICAL SETBACKS STOP HIM. THIS TIME, HOWEVER, HIS WORK ETHIC STANDARD HAS BEEN OVERTAKEN BY PHYSICAL DETERIORATIO TODD AND I HAVE BEEN FRIENDS FOR A LONG TIME. SO, IT’S VERY DIFFICULT TO THINK OF HIM IN TERMS OF STEPPING DOWN. TODD: IT’S A POINT OF PROFESSIONAL PRIDE FOR PORTUNE THAT HE’S LARGELY VIEWED NOT IN A PARTISAN WAY BUT AS A COMMISSIONER. CHRIS MONZEL FORMER HAMILT COUNTY COMMISSIONER. >> MY HEART GOES OUT TO TODD. EVEN THOUGH WE MIGHT BE ON DIFFERENT SIDES OF THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM, I KNOW HE’S A GOOD AND DECENT MAN TODD: THE GAP-TOOTHED KID WITH GLASSES. GREW TO BE THE FIRST TO REACH THE TAPE. TO REACH HOME PLATE WITH A -- JOHN: THE GAP-TOOTHED KID WITH GLASSES. GREW TO BE THE FIRST TO REACH THE TAPE. TO REACH HOME PLATE WITH A CEREMONIAL FIRST PITCH. TO REACH OUT TO EVERYONE FROM PRESIDENTS TO PEDESTRIANS. TO KEEP REACHING DESPITE TOUG ODDS AS THIS FLYING PIG PHOT ATTESTS. HE DESCRIBES HIS LIFE AS TREMENDOUSLY BLESSED. AND IF THAT MEANS I GET TO LIVE FOR A LONG TIME, THAT’S GREAT. AND IF THAT MEANS THE LORD HAS SOMETHING ELSE IN MIND FOR ME, THEN I’M COMFORTABLE WITH THAT, TOO. JOHN: HE HAS BEEN IN THIS OFFICE CHAIR SINCE 2000. HE DOES NOT KNOW WHETHER IT’S MONTHS OR WEEKS THAT ARE LEFT. WHAT HE DOES KNOW IS THA THERE’S UNFINISHED BUSINESS. BUDGET, MUSIC VENUE, SORTA LEVY, THE VIADUCT. HE INTENDS TO KEEP AT IT UNTIL HE’S NO LONGER ABLE TO KEEP AT IT LIVE DOWNTOWN, JOHN LONDON

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Cancer has forced the hand of the longtime Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune. He revealed Thursday there will be no reelection campaign in 2020.At an emotion-choked news conference just outside the County Commission meeting room, the 61-year-old Portune had to pause a moment to gather himself.Hands of friends reached for his shoulders in support as he explained the physical and medical realities he now faces.Portune summoned the inner-strength he has relied on for more than a quarter-century of failing health to face a moment of professional and personal truth."The fact of the matter is the chemotherapy has not worked, OK, and my cancer has spread," he stated.So, after 27 years in elected city and county office, Portune made it official that won't run again and will likely step away before his current term is up."I've got the biggest fight of my life ahead of me."Since he fell last spring and was partially paralyzed, the handwriting has been on the wall.His wall, it's important to note, is a testament to forward motion, progress and public service.His office provides a lifetime arc of political success, personal moments, awards and physical achievement.He set seven records in track at Oberlin College and was coached and mentored by Olympian Tommie Smith.Photos in his office display his perseverance as a participant at the Flying Pig Marathon as he faced tumors, a blood clot and ultimately a leg amputation.He has now reached a point where the finish line of public service is within sight.Those present to support his decision say they saw courage, grace, dignity and characteristic good humor on display today.Lifelong friend and fellow-Commissioner Denise Driehaus tried to soldier on with tears welling up in her eyes as she started the formal commission meeting."Todd and I have been friends for a long time," she told us. "So, it's very difficult to think of him in terms of stepping down."It's a point of professional pride for Portune that he's largely viewed not in a partisan way but as a commissioner.Former Hamilton County Commissioner Chris Monzel, a Republican who served with Portune, was in the crowd along with former Mayor Dwight Tillery and current Mayor John Cranley."My heart goes out to Todd," said Monzel. "Even though we might be on different sides of the political spectrum, I know he's a good and decent man."Portune patiently related how the physical demands have outpaced his personal work ethic standards.He also displayed characteristic flashes of humor."I especially like responding to people who are very angry with me in trying to, trying to help them understand why I'm thinking the way I am," he said to a roomful of laughter.He first joined the commission in 2000 after previously serving four terms as a Cincinnati Council member.He batted nine for nine in elections over a 27-year span.There will not be a 10th campaign.Flanked by his daughter, Elise, and son, Ethan, Portune described his life as tremendously blessed."And if that means I get to live for a long time, that's great. And if that means the Lord has something else in mind for me, then I'm comfortable with that, too," he said."It has been a great ride," Portune said. "There's still a little bit more of the ride to go."