Residents of The Woodwinds are the latest tenants in the Portland area to feel the pressure exerted by rent increases, a development boom and a lack of affordable housing.
Randy Billings
Staff Writer
Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
On the day after, Portland’s mayor-elect reflects on a win that surprised even herself
Kate Snyder says in a Q&A with the Portland Press Herald that she’s already making plans to meet with city councilors and the city manager to begin the transition to her new full-time job.
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Posted inElections, Local & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Kate Snyder wins heated race for Portland mayor, unseating incumbent Ethan Strimling
After taking a commanding lead, the former school board chair wins a late-night ranked-choice runoff.
Posted inElections, Local & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
In campaign’s last days, Portland mayoral candidates focus on getting out the vote
The four candidates scramble to rally support heading into Tuesday’s unpredictable ranked-choice election.
Posted inElections, Local & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Ethics commission to take up complaints in Portland mayoral race after election
But its executive director said that a PAC formed to oppose Mayor Ethan Strimling’s re-election was late to file reports and could face over $7,000 in fines, while a complaint against Strimling’s campaign was unsubstantiated.
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Portland mayoral candidates hitting fundraising records
Three of the 4 contenders have raised almost $360,000 combined, and 2 have significant cash on hand to get their messages out during the final week of the campaign.
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News
Housing, affordability emerge as key issues in Portland mayor’s race
The four candidates in Portland are hearing a lot about increasing pressures as they speak to voters ahead of the Nov. 5 election.
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Portland mayoral candidates tout their endorsements as Election Day nears
The 4 candidates highlight the support of various backers in city politics, business, arts and education circles.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland council designates 5 historical landmarks on Forest Avenue
Councilors focused preservation efforts on buildings near Woodfords Corner rather than approving a staff proposal to preserve others between the corner and Interstate 295.
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News
Portland voters will decide whether to open up city government to major changes
Several councilors say they don’t want a charter commission but felt legally obligated to put it to voters in response to a petition by supporters of a taxpayer-funded clean elections program.