Meanwhile, a national group that opposes the trend is stepping into the debate to ‘get the facts out about this drug.’
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 inNews
Portland voters legalize marijuana
The ‘Yes’ vote wins in a landslide, claiming 67 percent of the tally with many of the precincts reporting.
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Anti-marijuana activist wins Portland sign battle
City officials agree to return signs that were removed in response to complaints about a lack of disclosure.
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Several lawmakers to endorse legalizing pot in Portland
The local referendum would allow possession of up to 2.5 ounces.
Posted inNews, Politics
Opposition to Portland marijuana initiative is emerging
Signs opposing the removal of criminal and civil penalties are beginning to pop up in the city, but the group behind the effort is a mystery.
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Homelessness hits record high in Portland
Maine’s largest city struggles to accommodate displaced families.
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Portland buses to display marijuana ads despite objections
The ads promoting marijuana as safer than alcohol have upset the people trying to prevent kids from smoking pot.
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Portland buses to carry advertisements that back legalizing marijuana
The ads, which claim the drug is safer than alcohol, draw sharp criticism from anti-drug groups.
Posted inNews
Hope House developer builds bastion against homelessness
Richard Berman sees the effort to welcome and shelter our immigrants as a spiritual matter.
Posted inNews
Portland restaurant inspections double, but failures decrease
The city has beefed up scrutiny, but the loss of a strict, controversial inspector and a falling non-compliance rate also affect the numbers.