Supporters say the proposal will simplify the budget process and make school officials more accountable to voters. Opponents question its legality and unknown costs.
Rachel Ohm
Staff Writer
Rachel covers state government and politics for the Portland Press Herald. It’s her third beat at the paper after stints covering City Hall and education. Prior to her arrival at the Press Herald in the summer of 2019, Rachel worked at the Morning Sentinel in Waterville, covering Franklin and Somerset counties, and the Knoxville News Sentinel in Knoxville, Tennessee, covering higher education. She has a master’s degree in journalism from New York University and when she’s not writing and reporting enjoys running, cooking and traveling to new places.
Posted inElection 2022, Local & State, Politics
Four open seats on Peaks Island Council draw only one write-in candidate
The council chair said it’s not unusual to fill seats by appointment rather than in the November election, and the lack of candidates shouldn’t discourage voters from supporting a proposal to codify the council.
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Posted inElection 2022, Local & State
Pair of Portland referendums offer competing proposals for regulating short-term rentals
Question A seeks to ban corporate and non-local operators from registering short-term rentals, while Question B would reduce the number of short-term rentals and increase fines and fees.
Posted inCops & Courts, Local & State
Police make arrest in Old Port shooting that seriously injured 2 people
Tyreese Vargas is charged with attempted murder, two counts of elevated aggravated assault, reckless conduct with a firearm and two counts of violating conditions of release.
Posted inLocal & State, Schools and Education, Uncategorized
Portland school board approves new 3-year contract with teachers union
The new contract, approved by the school board this week, includes a 13 percent pay increase over three years.
Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
Litchfield man’s lawsuit says he was sexually abused, forced into isolation in Maine youth prisons
Alexander Mascal says he experienced excessive isolation, unnecessary use of force and restraint, and was sexually abused while at the Mountain View and Long Creek youth development centers from 2012 to 2016.
Posted inLocal & State, Schools and Education
Audit flags issues with Portland school department finances
Superintendent Xavier Botana told a City Council committee Thursday that the district has since added staff and restructured the finance department.
Posted inLocal & State
Portland City Council weighs options for remaining $11.2 million in COVID relief funds
Funding a proposed affordable housing development in East Deering is a top priority, but they’ll have to act fast.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Portland will look for public feedback on Eastern Prom food truck pilot program
Some food truck operators said the program hasn’t worked for them, citing among other things a lack of visibility and foot traffic at the new truck parking area on Cutter Street.
Posted inLocal & State
Portland estimates cost of charter proposals and citizen initiatives at over $6.5 million
A fiscal impact note prepared by city staff puts cost of the charter commission proposals at $1 million and the citizen initiatives at more than $5.5 million.