Ethan Strimling said in a fundraising email that business leaders ‘heckled’ him for saying he’d propose a $15 minimum wage, but the chamber of commerce calls it a ‘flat-out misrepresentation.’
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 inLocal Elections, Maine, News, Politics
Portland advances proposal to expand ranked-choice voting in city elections
The proposal will go to the full City Council for a hearing next month and could appear on the citywide ballot in March.
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Posted inMaine, News
New ICE office in downtown Portland draws protests
A spokesperson says the the Homeland Security Investigations office will specialize in transnational criminal probes, not deportations.
Posted inMaine
Here are the 5 candidates for the open Portland city council seat
They are seeking the District 3 seat representing Libbytown, Stroudwater, Rosemont and Oakdale.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Tae Chong says school board and professional experience sets him apart
He says the City Council needs his breadth of experience of having worked with immigrants, the poor, the wealthy, entrepreneurs and the schools.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics, Uncategorized
Five candidates make their pitches for open seat on Portland council
They are seeking the District 3 seat representing Libbytown, Stroudwater, Rosemont and Oakdale.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Andrew Volk wants to bring progressive values, business experience to City Council
The restaurateur says affordability and sustainable growth should be the city’s top priorities.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Arts advocate Andrew Graham aims to address challenges of housing and affordability
After years of running businesses and raising kids, he says he now has time to serve on the City Council.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Layla Kargar has big ideas for District 3
But voters will have to weigh whether the candidate’s criminal history and past drug addiction disqualifies her from office.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics, Uncategorized
Is Portland ready for ‘Ed 2.0’?
Ed Suslovic says the City Council needs his experience in community engagement, as well as his ability to ask tough questions.