The dispute is over whether a clean elections program can be decided by referendum, or whether the question must go to a charter commission.
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 inMaine, News
Portland moves to design new homeless shelter even as critics threaten referendum
A group of residents and others are working on citizens’ initiative to limit the size and control operations of such a facility.
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Posted inMaine, News, Times Record
Portland pays out $141,000 to groups that helped asylum seekers
City officials announce that they are distributing the donations to 11 groups who helped the city accommodate nearly 450 asylum seekers last summer.
Posted inMaine, News
Plan for new Portland shelter clears hurdle with council’s approval of guidelines
The City Council passed a resolution Monday to help the city’s staff design and operate a shelter that could house an average of 200 people a night.
Posted inMaine
Portland council may delay key vote on new homeless shelter
One policy amendment would require assurances that steps will be taken to pursue a statewide network.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Portland landlord pays record fine, retains apartment building
Sulan Chau was ordered to pay over $500,000 to the city for years of unaddressed housing and code violations at 112 Woodford St.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Portland panel to vote on first phase of ambitious waterfront redevelopment
The first phase of the Portland Foreside development includes a mix of new buildings, including the renovation of the remaining historic buildings, one of which is slated to become a public market.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Portland council approves zone change to allow 20 duplexes near Morrill’s Corner
The approval reverses a previous decision by city councilors, who voted against the same change proposed by the same developer nearly 15 years ago.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland gets $750,000 federal grant for new waterfront park
Sens. Angus King and Susan Collins announce that the city will receive money to go toward Portland Landing, a $16 million project planned for the eastern waterfront.
Posted inMaine, News
Saturday’s warmth sets high-temperature record in Portland
Mainers were making the most of the warm weather, and the Eastern Promenade Trail was buzzing with activity.