It would be the first use of the mayor’s veto power since the position was created in 2010.
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
After emotional debate, Portland council eliminates position for mayor’s assistant
Councilors vote 6-3 to drop the job in the next fiscal-year budget, saying it has upset constituents and impeded council-mayor collaboration.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland landowner agrees to remove tiny homes from Bayside, pays fine
He’d hoped to rent out the houses that sat on trailers that he’d set up without permits in a Bayside parking lot.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Poliquin defends health care vote, says he won’t advocate for or against monument
In a TV interview, Maine’s 2nd District congressman says the American Health Care Act would eliminate taxes and ensure coverage for people with pre-existing conditions.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland council may eliminate mayor’s assistant post, but not without a fight
Political supporters of Mayor Ethan Strimling are mobilizing to resist a proposal to cut the position from the budget when the council meets Monday.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland councilor: Use funding for mayor’s aide to hire waterfront manager instead
The $69,000 proposed for the special assistant would instead help pay for a manager to oversee the city’s waterfront properties, cruise ship business and concert activities.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Vision for Portland’s Eastern Waterfront coming to life
A series of proposals for a park, marina and buildings would turn under-used space into an active urban area.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland councilors put off any discussion of pay raise for mayor
Mayor Ethan Strimling asks city councilors Thursday to have any salary adjustment not take effect until the next mayor takes office.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland launches program to employ panhandlers
The Portland Opportunity Crew, overseen by the city’s social services division, began Thursday with four people enrolled.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Elite Airways announces Portland flights to Halifax
The airline will launch the Canadian route at the end of June.