Wednesday, March 1, 2000

Hamilton Co. Commissioner (Dem.)

---

BY DAN KLEPAL
The Cincinnati Enquirer

        Issues of stadium construction and riverfront development will have to wait. Both Todd Portune and Marilyn Hyland, the two Democrats vying for the party nomination and the right to run against Bob Bedinghaus for a seat on county commission in November, can't wait to distinguish themselves from the Republican who has staked his political career on building new stadiums along the riverfront.

        But for now, they'll have to distinguish themselves from each other for the March 7 primary.

        “The principal issue in any primary is who is a better candidate to take on the opposition,” said Mr. Portune, the endorsed party candidate in the race. “That's the critical issue, because Marilyn and I are aligned on a lot of issues.

        “So it comes down to experience and fund-raising ability. I think I have a much more secure foundation of support.”

        Ms. Hyland, who has built a platform against the contract county leaders negotiated with the Bengals, and has called for team owner Mike Brown to renegotiate the lease, said her support is equally strong.

        Although she said the stadium issues are what brought her into the race, Ms. Hyland said her work with the residents of western Hamilton County and other municipalities gives her the broad view needed for county politics.

        “I'm more electable than Todd Portune,” Ms. Hyland said. “By being on City Council, I believe Todd has a narrow view.”

        Ms. Hyland also said her work as a consultant with governmental and quasi-governmental agencies has prepared her to take on Mr. Bedinghaus. Mr. Portune, a lawyer who grew up in Colerain Township, is in his fourth and final term on City Council.

        Both are looking ahead to November.

        “I think it's important for there to be a change to provide creditability and accountability at the county level,” Mr. Portune said.

        Ms. Hyland agrees.

        “I've worked every day to beat Bob (Bedinghaus) on Nov. 7,” she said. “I called the issue on the stadium contract from the beginning.”

THE CANDIDATES
        Todd Portune

        Personal: 41, 3195 Epworth Ave., Westwood. Lawyer. Law degree, University of Cincinnati. Family: Married with two children.

        Experience/qualifications: Serving fourth and final term on Cincinnati City Council because of term limits.

        Marilyn Hyland

        Personal: 52, 7100 Drake Road, Indian Hill. Marketing and consultant. Bachelor's degree, University of Cincinnati. Family: Married with four children.

        Experience/qualifications: Work with governmental and quasi-governmental agencies through consulting firm.

Back to Primary 2000 page

---

Hamilton County
Cincinnati Public Schools levies
Deer Park, Mariemont, Madeira, Three Rivers schools
Hamilton Co. Commissioner (Dem.)
Hamilton Co. Commissioner(Rep.)
Hamilton Co. safety, road issues
Ohio House 31st District (Dem.)
Ohio House 32nd District (Dem.)
Ohio House 32nd District (Rep.)
Ohio House 34th District (Rep.)
Ohio House 36th District (Rep.)
Ohio House 37th District (Rep.)
Clermont County
Clermont Co. commissioner (Rep.)
Clermont Co. issues
Milford school bond issue
Ohio House 72nd District (Rep.)
Butler County
Union or West Chester: Name the township
Butler Co. police, fire levies
Lakota, Talawanda schools
Monroe school district
Ohio House 60th District (Rep.)
U.S. House 8th District (Dem.)
Warren County
Mason, Kings, Little Miami schools
Warren Co. commissioner
Warren Co. fire levies
Ohio House 2nd District (Rep.)
U.S. House, 6th District (Rep.)