Retirement reception to honor former Portage Auditor Janet Esposito

Diane Smith, Record-Courier
·2 min read
Janet Esposito, as seen on a photo on the Portage County auditor's website, is not seeking an 8th term.
Janet Esposito, as seen on a photo on the Portage County auditor's website, is not seeking an 8th term.

A reception will take place Thursday to honor the service of former Portage County Auditor Janet Esposito.

Esposito's daughter, Conni Esposito, said she and her sister, Laura, are hosting a "bipartisan" retirement reception for their mother. The event will take place at the Kent American Legion, 1945 Mogadore Road, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

More:Three Republicans hope to replace Esposito as Portage County auditor. One has her endorsement.

Esposito, a Republican who has served seven terms as Portage County Auditor, decided not to seek re-election last year. Matt Kelly, a Republican from Suffield was elected to succeed her.

Conni Esposito said the event is free and open to all, and no RSVP is required.

"It doesn't matter who you are," she said. "It's to honor her."

The Portage County Republican Party said it plans to set up a scholarship fund in Esposito's name to develop future leaders.

"Many friends, supporters, family and special guests will be in attendance to share stories and inspiration from Janet's incredible career and commitment to her community," the party stated on its Facebook page.

Esposito, a life resident of Portage County, has a long record of public service in Portage County. She also once served as a commissioner in Portage County, and chaired the county's Republican party from 2012 to 2016.

She was involved with the Portage County Randolph Fair Board for 15 years, a job she said she enjoyed because her children were involved in 4-H. In 1988, after her children were grown, she ran for Portage County commissioner, and served two terms. She then ran for auditor, won, and went on to be elected to seven terms.

She was involved in the county's League of Women Voters. Although she was always a Republican, her husband was a Democrat, and she had friends from both parties.

Esposito, who turned 80 two months weeks before the November vote, said last year "I think it's time for a new person who has more stamina."

She made a similar comment in 2016, when she stepped down as the chair of the Portage County Republican Party.

"I've enjoyed every minute of being chairperson, but it's time for some young blood," Esposito said at that time. "Some young blood that's going to work hard."

Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com.

This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Retirement reception to honor Janet Esposito