Strimling argued that he was being evicted in retaliation for his involvement in a tenants union, but a judge sided with landlord Geoffrey Rice, who said he was tired of being ‘nickel and dimed’ by the former mayor over rent increases.
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 inLocal & State
Portland Charter Commission to hold public hearing on proposed leadership model
The commission is asking for feedback on a proposal that would enhance the power of the elected mayor and reduces the authority of the city manager.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
As more people arrive in Portland in need of shelter, the city seeks help farther afield
Portland is sheltering more than 1,500 asylum seekers and homeless people in 12 hotels across 6 communities, including one in Freeport where families still need more help.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Two Portland city councilors now working for same nonprofit program
Councilors Pious Ali and Victoria Pelletier both work for Portland Empowered, which seeks to ensure that the voices of underrepresented parents and students reflected in school policies.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland planning board delays decision on religious center’s gathering permit
Some residents have voiced concerns about noise and traffic related to Chabad Lubavitch of Maine, though the leader of the Jewish religious and community space said he wants to be a good neighbor.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Uncategorized
Former Portland mayor, his landlord, present clashing claims in eviction hearing
Judge Susan Oram said she will weigh the evidence presented at the one-day hearing Tuesday and expects to issue a written decision as quickly as possible.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland neighbors concerned about religious center’s plans for gatherings
The planning board will hold a public hearing and is expected to vote Tuesday on a permit that would allow Chabad Lubavitch of Maine to hold religious gatherings of more than 15 people.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland city manager delays budget process, citing numbers of homeless people and asylum seekers
Officials are hoping to have a better understanding in two weeks of how state funding will impact the city’s budget.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland looking again at voting rights for noncitizens in municipal elections
A proposal before the charter commission would allow all residents of legal voting age the right to participate in local races, but questions remain about the legality and impact on a vulnerable population.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland Parks Commission chair resigns after rift over food trucks on Eastern Prom
Michael Mertaugh submitted his resignation Thursday after a meeting in which commissioners failed to pass his motion in support of moving food trucks to the midlevel parking lot on Cutter Street.