The one person Todd Portune did not want to replace him on Cincinnati City Council took office Friday.

        John Cranley, an unsuccessful candidate for Congress in November, became the newest — and youngest — member of council at a ceremony held barely two hours after he was selected.

        Despite objections by Mr. Portune, who was the first Democrat in 36 years elected to the Hamilton County Commission, Mr. Cranley's appointment was unanimous among the four remaining Democrats on council.

With his mother, Susan Cranley, at his side, new Cincinnati City Councilman John Cranley takes the oath of office Friday from City Solicitor Fay Dupuis. (Mike Simons photo) | ZOOM |

        “We listened to Mr. Portune,” Mayor Charlie Luken said. “But listening and acting are two different things.”

        The abrupt decision ended weeks of speculation and political bluster. About nine people expressed interest in the seat, but only five were named as potential candidates. The four Democrats listed their top choices, but a consensus wasn't reached until about 1 p.m. Friday.

        Mr. Cranley was sworn in at 3 p.m.

        Mr. Portune, vacationing in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. with staff members, said in a phone interview he didn't know of council's decision.

        “I wish Mr. Cranley and the rest of the council well,” he said. “I'm going to focus my energies now on being the strong independent voice we need at county to enhance city-county relations.”

        He would not talk about why, even as late as Wednesday, he was urging Democrats to appoint someone other than Mr. Cranley.

        Mr. Portune, who resigned Wednesday, delayed his resignation last month when it became apparent the mayor and others were leaning toward Mr. Cranley. He has said repeatedly the seat should go to someone with more experience in city politics and to someone who shared his views on social issues.

        “We respected Todd's wishes and we selected a good candidate,” said Councilwoman Minette Cooper. “Mr. Cranley was a good choice and had the most strengths ...”

        Mr. Cranley said Friday he doesn't hold anything against Mr. Portune and promised to “make Todd proud” finishing out his term over the next year.

        “I am humbled to fill Todd's seat,” the 26-year-old Price Hill resident said. “His legacy is one of social justice.”

        While he was unable to name any specific programs or issues facing the city, Mr. Cranley said one of his first orders of business is to establish a trust with voters.

        “I think the most important thing is being accessible to the citizens,” he said, adding that he will also work on neighborhood housing issues and trying to build rapport with the county.

        Mr. Cranley's first bid for public office came this year against Steve Chabot in the 1st Congressional District. Mr. Cranley was supposed to have been a sacrificial lamb, but instead ran a competitive campaign.

        That earned him the support of the city's Democratic ward chairs, the building trades unions and financier Carl Lindner, said Tim Burke, co-chairman of the Hamilton County Democratic Party.

        “He deserves to be rewarded,” Mr. Burke said.

        Mr. Cranley signed on two weeks ago with Taft, Stettinius & Hollister in his first job as a lawyer since graduating from Harvard Law School in 1999. He also has a master's degree in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School. After graduating from St. Xavier High School in 1992, he attended John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio.
       

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