Jon Jennings told city councilors he would consider only a one-year extension and Mayor Kate Snyder said the council will likely launch a search for a new manager next fall so Jennings’ replacement can start in July 2022.
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, Elections, Local Elections, Politics
What is the hotly contested Green New Deal for Portland? Here’s the proposal
Despite its name, the question on Portland’s ballot is unrelated to the national Green New Deal reform package pushed by progressive leaders such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.
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Posted inElection 2020, Elections, Local Elections, Maine, News, Politics
Ballot measure would reduce short-term rentals, increase penalties in Portland
Question E on the Portland ballot would eliminate nonowner-occupied and tenant-occupied short-term rentals in the city and increase registration fees from $100 for the first unit to $1,000 for each unit.
Posted inElection 2020, Local Elections, Maine, News, Politics
Portland voters to decide on $15 minimum wage, plus hazard pay
The proposal includes time-and-a-half pay for certain workers during a declared emergency – a provision that could raise Portland’s minimum to $18 in December.
Posted inElection 2020, Elections, Local Elections, Maine, News, Politics
Portland mayor and most councilors announce opposition to 5 referendum questions
Every councilor except Pious Ali is opposing the ballot questions drafted by Southern Maine Democratic Socialists of America, but all are silent on a 6th proposal, to lift a cap on marijuana stores in the city.
Posted inElection 2020, Elections, Local Elections, Maine, News, Politics
Rent control proposal heads to Portland voters again
A similar proposal was rejected by a nearly 2-1 margin in 2017.
Posted inLocal Elections, Maine
Portland voters asked to strengthen facial surveillance ban
Question B on the city ballot would add enforcement provisions – including a private right of action for people to sue the city – to an existing prohibition on city employees using facial recognition technology.
Posted inBusiness, Election 2020, Elections, Local Elections, Maine, News, Politics
Business group rallies opposition to Portland referendum proposals
The Portland Community Chamber of Commerce forum comes as opponents of the initiatives hold a significant fundraising and spending advantage over proponents.
Posted inElection 2020, Local Elections, Maine
Two candidates for open District 4 seat on Portland City Council
Andrew Zarro, a progressive small business owner, faces Rosemary Mahoney, a longtime Portland resident and union organizer who ran unsuccessfully in 2014.
Posted inLocal Elections, Maine, News, Politics
Four candidates seek District 5 seat on the Portland City Council
Two who have never held elective office, Kathryn Sykes and Kenneth Capron, are competing against 2 experienced candidates, John Coyne and Mark Dion, for the open seat representing Riverton, North Deering and Deering Center.