The sponsor of the change wants to make it easier to see who is funding campaigns and how the money is spent in early autumn ‘when it really matters.’
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.
Portland’s growth spurs city to take new look at building convention center
A dramatic increase in hotel space has created demand for a center that could handle as many as 3,000 people, City Manager Jon Jennings says.
Candidates decry national Realtors group’s unusual bid to sway Portland election
The National Association of Realtors Fund has spent $7,300 to support a city councilor facing a challenger who previously has advocated for rent control.
Farnsworth seeks to fend off independent challenger for Portland House seat
Justin Benjamin Pollard wants to bring visionary thinking to the post.
Some balk at Portland’s move to tighten limits on short-term rentals
New requests are put on hold as Portland confronts fast growth and hits ‘the pause button on new non-owner-occupied’ units.
House District 43: Political newcomer, the president of Capt’n Eli’s Soda, running unopposed
Democrat W. Edward Crockett has lived in the legislative district, which represents parts of Portland and Falmouth, for 28 years.
House District 42: Portland Republican running for seat in Democratic stronghold ‘because someone needs to’
In a rematch of 2016, Susan Abercrombie hopes to replace Benjamin Collings in the seat representing East Deering and some Back Cove neighborhoods.
Portland councilors to hold public hearing on ideas to tighten rules for short-term rentals
The city is considering a host of proposed changes designed to restrict the number of Airbnb-style rentals, which have gained popularity through home-sharing websites.
House District 39: Opponent mounts no campaign against Michael Sylvester
Republican Peter Doyle’s name will appear on the ballot but he has not raised or spent money to challenge the incumbent.
Heather Sanborn unopposed in Maine Senate race
She just finished her first term in the House, representing District 28.