More than 13,000 Central Maine Power customers were without electricity Saturday night.
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 inBusiness, Local & State, News
Residents renew bid to protect Portland’s working waterfront
A group looks to replicate the success of a 1987 referendum to limit redevelopment, which it calls a ‘death knell for the fishing people’ and others who need water access.
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Posted inElection 2018, Local & State, Local Elections, News
Candidates for at-large City Council seat have differing views of Portland
Joey Brunelle sees a lack of progress on many issues and gentrification pushing out those with moderate incomes, while incumbent Nicholas Mavodones sees a much-improved community that is now attracting national attention.
Posted inElections, Local & State, News, Politics
Homeless shelter an issue for District 1 councilor and challenger
The city has proposed building a 200-bed facility at the city-owned Barron Center.
Posted inElections, Local & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Portland City Council District 2: Two candidates differ on what issues to tackle for constituents
Challenger Jonathan Torsch emphasizes action on broader problems such as paid sick leave and the high cost of housing, while incumbent Spencer Thibodeau focuses on narrower projects to benefit the community.
Posted inElections, Local & State
Portlanders will vote on requiring more campaign finance transparency
The sponsor of the change wants to make it easier to see who is funding campaigns and how the money is spent in early autumn ‘when it really matters.’
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Portland’s growth spurs city to take new look at building convention center
A dramatic increase in hotel space has created demand for a center that could handle as many as 3,000 people, City Manager Jon Jennings says.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Local Elections
Candidates decry national Realtors group’s unusual bid to sway Portland election
The National Association of Realtors Fund has spent $7,300 to support a city councilor facing a challenger who previously has advocated for rent control.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Farnsworth seeks to fend off independent challenger for Portland House seat
Justin Benjamin Pollard wants to bring visionary thinking to the post.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Some balk at Portland’s move to tighten limits on short-term rentals
New requests are put on hold as Portland confronts fast growth and hits ‘the pause button on new non-owner-occupied’ units.