On the recordJanuary 28, 2020
It is with a heavy heart that I rise today to honor two iconic Cincinnati leaders who passed away over the weekend. On Saturday, we lost longtime Hamilton County Commissioner and former Cincinnati City Councilman Todd Portune. Todd was a true leader, willing to put aside political differences and work together on issues to benefit our community. He was also someone I considered not only a respected colleague but a friend. Then, on Sunday, Cincinnati suffered another loss with the passing of Judge Nathaniel Jones. As a civil rights leader, a Federal judge, and a person, Judge Jones was one of those rare people who was universally admired and respected. Having worked with Thurgood Marshall on Brown v. Board of Education, having helped South Africa overcome apartheid, and having served as general counsel for the NAACP, Judge Jones not only improved the lives of people in Cincinnati but across the country and, in fact, across the globe. Madam Speaker, while Cincinnati will sorely miss Commissioner Portune and Judge Jones, their accomplishments will be felt by our community and across our Nation for generations to come. ____________________
