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 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
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, 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.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland councilors to hold public hearing on ideas to tighten rules for short-term rentals
The city is considering a host of proposed changes designed to restrict the number of Airbnb-style rentals, which have gained popularity through home-sharing websites.
Posted inElection 2018, Local & State, Local Elections, News, Politics
House District 39: Opponent mounts no campaign against Michael Sylvester
Republican Peter Doyle’s name will appear on the ballot but he has not raised or spent money to challenge the incumbent.
Posted inElection 2018, Local & State, News, Politics
House District 36: Former Portland mayor seeks return to Legislature as foe keeps low profile
Michael Brennan lays out an ambitious and detailed legislative agenda, and challenger Samuel Ledue says he’s been too busy to campaign.