After years of running businesses and raising kids, he says he now has time to serve on the City Council.
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, News, Politics
Layla Kargar has big ideas for District 3
But voters will have to weigh whether the candidate’s criminal history and past drug addiction disqualifies her from office.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics, Uncategorized
Is Portland ready for ‘Ed 2.0’?
Ed Suslovic says the City Council needs his experience in community engagement, as well as his ability to ask tough questions.
Posted inElections, Local & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Spencer Thibodeau says he wants to restore trust, collaboration as Portland’s next mayor
The 31-year-old real estate attorney says that endorsements from 5 councilors prove he can work well with others to make progress on issues like affordable housing.
Posted inBusiness, Elections, Local & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Portland mayor tells business leaders he’ll push for $15 minimum wage if he is re-elected
Ethan Strimling made the statement at a chamber of commerce forum with the 3 candidates who are trying to unseat him, telling the audience, ‘I know you’re going to light your hair on fire.’
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
As he runs for re-election, Ethan Strimling touts his tenure as ‘an activist mayor’
Portland’s mayor champions ideas that he says reflect the people’s will – such as expanded pre-kindergarten and a $64 million school bond.
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News
Kate Snyder says she wants to put service ahead of ambition as Portland mayor
The 49-year-old nonprofit director is a former chairwoman of the city’s school board and says she wants to address issues such as affordable housing and homelessness.
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Travis Curran, underdog in race for Portland mayor, says he’s running to help residents like him
The political newcomer, 33, says he wants to represent fellow service workers and artists, who are being priced out of the city.
Posted inElections, Local & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Portland landlords, developers donate to group opposing Mayor Strimling’s re-election
From July 1 to Sept. 30, Unite Portland raised nearly $19,000, much of it from real estate professionals, according to campaign finance reports.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
He’s not on the ballot, but Portland city manager factors into November mayor’s race
Jon Jennings, who has clashed repeatedly with the incumbent Mayor Ethan Strimling, would rather see someone else win the election.