Advocates say 19,000 workers could benefit, but some businesses balk at the idea, which will be discussed at a public hearing this week.
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 inLife & Culture, Local & State, News
Despite promoter’s domestic violence guilty plea, Portland to contract for waterfront concerts
The council approves the deal even though it won’t prevent involvement by promoter Alex Gray, who pleaded guilty in October to domestic violence.
advertisement
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Portland council may vote Wednesday not to hire local promoter who pleaded guilty to domestic assault
The city might instead hire national promoter Live Nation to handle its summer concert series, but that might not completely sever ties with Alex Gray’s Waterfront Concerts.
Posted inUncategorized
Developer presses plan to build hotel on Portland wharf, reigniting waterfront debate
The proposal could be the first hotel to be built on a wharf along Commercial Street, but it is already facing criticism from advocates for the working waterfront.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland council meets in closed session to discuss ties to concert promoter
A large crowd attends the meeting even though no debate or public comment is allowed on a proposal to rescind the council’s endorsement of Waterfront Concerts’ fourth summer of shows.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Portland manager’s budget would raise taxes for city services 2.6%
When the proposal is combined with the school spending plan, property taxes could rise 4.6%.
Posted inLife & Culture, Local & State, News
In a matter of months, more than 30 years of Old Port history will be wiped away
Things won’t look the same when a mural that tricks the eye is removed from its ailing canvas.
Posted inUncategorized
Engineering issues torpedo Back Cove floating art project for this summer
The plan for a floating platform on Back Cove, with tide-activated walls that would enclose the space, is cancelled for this summer but may be back in 2019 after additional engineering.
Posted inBusiness, Life & Culture, Local & State, News
Portland’s ties to concert promoter in doubt over his domestic assault conviction
The mayor wants the City Council to rescind its support for contract talks with Waterfront Concerts, and some musicians pressure a nightclub linked to the company’s owner, Alex Gray.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State
Domestic violence victim calls on Portland to cut ties with concert promoter
In a widely read blog post, Erica Cole writes an open letter to Portland’s city manager saying that the city is putting money ahead of morality.