The industry adamantly opposes a bill that would revive a system that gives all municipalities an oversight role.
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 inPolitics
Portland proposal to raise minimum wage will get lots of scrutiny
The city plans to move slowly in assessing the impact of the mayor’s idea on businesses and workers.
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Posted inPolitics
Portland mayor: Raise city’s minimum wage
Michael Brennan unveils several new priorities at his State of the City address on Wednesday.
Posted inNews
Panel to hear Portland employee’s sexual harassment complaint
The worker claims his female supervisor drew male genitals on an evaluation form, called him ‘babe’ and ‘darling,’ and put her hand on his shoulder.
Posted inNews, Politics
Asylum seekers, Maine advocates protest change in aid rules
The LePage administration wants to stop providing General Assistance to some immigrants awaiting work permits. Opponents call the change illegal and racist.
Posted inPolitics
Immigrant backers join forces to oppose LePage rule change
The governor wants to keep asylum seekers from receiving state-funded General Assistance money.
Posted inPolitics
LePage proposal would end assistance to asylum seekers
Portland officials say a General Assistance rule change could leave many immigrants without shelter or food.
Posted inNews
Warnings issued regarding Portland marijuana ordinance
A panel will discuss the interface of the ordinance with state and federal laws on Thursday night at City Hall.
Posted inNews, Politics
Portland pot vote seen as a precursor for the state
Meanwhile, a national group that opposes the trend is stepping into the debate to ‘get the facts out about this drug.’
Posted inNews
Portland voters legalize marijuana
The ‘Yes’ vote wins in a landslide, claiming 67 percent of the tally with many of the precincts reporting.