While a counting error does not appear to have overturned any results, the revised totals reveal that proposed restrictions on short-term rentals failed by a razor thin margin of 235 votes – less than 1 percent – rather than the more than 2,000-vote, or 4 percent, margin that was originally reported.
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 inElection 2020, Local & State, Local Elections, Politics
Portland voters pass $15 minimum wage, rent control and more
The only citizen referendum rejected by the voters was one that would have further restricted short-term rentals in the city.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Long-delayed Bayside housing project set to become condos
A Massachusetts developer has taken over the project and is looking to break ground on a 52-unit condominium project at 75 Chestnut St. in Portland by the end of the year.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland moving temporary shelter occupants to prepare Expo as polling place
City officials say ‘minor issues’ have delayed the establishment of a temporary homeless shelter in a vacant county facility, but people are being moved into a hotel so voting can occur as usual.
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Portland mayor promises more campaign finance transparency in wake of missing reports
After a report detailing $125,000 in contributions went undisclosed for nearly a month, Mayor Kate Snyder says she will work with councilors to increase online access to campaign finance reports.
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Money pours in to efforts to defeat citizen referendum questions in Portland
Opponents of 5 proposals placed on the ballot by Southern Maine Democratic Socialists of America have raised nearly 14 times as much as proponents, and have more cash on hand for the final week of the campaign.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Plan would create 171 apartments in fast-changing Portland neighborhood
Tom Watson’s housing proposal is the last major redevelopment plan for the city’s former public works complex in the city’s Bayside neighborhood.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland defends plans to use corrections center as temporary shelter
City officials say the shelter at the Community Corrections Center, which is empty because of the pandemic, will be staffed by city workers and clients will be able to come and go freely.
Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
Referendum proposals could add $12 million in costs to Portland budget, city says
Mayor Kate Snyder says two initiatives on the Nov. 3 ballot could lead to additional cuts in city services.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Sixty small-business owners oppose Portland minimum wage initiative
The group includes some who support a gradual increase to $15 an hour but oppose a hazard pay provision that could give Portland the highest minimum wage in the country.