Frustrated that ‘we had no warning, no voice at the table,’ Ethan Strimling says he wants more accountability to taxpayers.
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 inAnimals, Local & State, News
Meet Veto: LePage employs biting humor to name his new dog
The governor adopts a rescue Jack Russell Terrier just a month after the family lost its previous dog to cancer.
advertisement
Posted inLocal & State, News
Residents pressure Portland council to keep city health clinic open
Advocates for the India Street Public Health Center pack a budget hearing, urging councilors to take more time to study the transfer of services to a nonprofit that City Manager Jon Jennings has proposed in his budget.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Coast is clear for The Cat to resume ferry service out of Portland
The City Council approves a lease with Bay Ferries Ltd. for the next two seasons.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
LePage’s frustration with job is evident, associates say
After some tough days last week, Maine’s chief executive appeared exasperated, colleagues and staff admit, saying, ‘We all have our moments.’
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland poised to form task force to study pesticide restrictions
The 12-member group would consider whether to use an ordinance proposed in South Portland as a model or go its own way.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Supporters rally to save public health clinic in Portland
City Manager Jon Jennings has proposed closing the city-run clinic and moving services to a nonprofit provider.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
LePage hits on familiar themes at Damariscotta town hall forum
In addition to pressing his agenda for welfare reform, lowering energy costs and changing the state’s tax code, the governor says a ballot measure for a $12 minimum wage would hurt the state’s economy.
Posted inLocal & State, News
City councilors push back after Portland mayor’s budget criticism
Several come to the defense of City Manager Jon Jennings and staffers, one calling Mayor Ethan Strimling’s tone ‘beyond the pale.’
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland mayor criticizes city manager’s budget plan
Two councilors come to Jon Jennings’ defense after Mayor Ethan Strimling knocks proposed cuts to city health programs.