But critics say two fundraising efforts, one backed by Mayor Michael Brennan and each targeting a different group of immigrants, may be competing for the same pool of potential donors.
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
Developers look to convert former Portland church into affordable housing for mentally ill
The former Clark Memorial United Methodist Church would provide 25 housing units near Woodfords Corner.
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Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Special Portland fund won’t cover all needs of asylum seekers
The city manager says Portland’s new aid program for immigrants doesn’t have enough money to provide a full array of emergency aid over the rest of the fiscal year.
Posted inMaine, News
Tipped employees in Portland say wage hike could hurt
Many in the city’s small army of waitstaff believe a proposal that would triple their hourly base salary would just eat into their gratuities.
Posted inMaine, News
Private poll tests waters in Portland mayor’s race
The partial poll results show a virtual tie between Michael Brennan, who is running for re-election, and Ethan Strimling, who has not yet said whether he will run or not.
Posted inMaine, News
Organizers appear to end insistence that Portland didn’t block medical pot fest
The group initially said the Aug. 9 event would go on despite denial of an amended permit amid concerns over an admission fee and public marijuana use.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Minimum wage uncertainty makes Portland business owners fearful
Eighteen months into the debate, business owners tire of the battle as the City Council delays its vote on a $10.10 standard, and a referendum on a $15 minimum looms.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland voters will take up $15 an hour minimum wage in November
The City Council also votes to delay reconsideration of an ordinance approved earlier this month that inadvertently doubled the base wage for tipped workers.
Posted inMaine, News
Councilors approve land purchase to relocate Portland public works to Canco Road
City councilors approved a purchase of land on Canco Road to free up land in Bayside for redevelopment.
Posted inMaine, News
Portland City Council approves master plan for redesigning Franklin Street
Construction on the estimated $34 million project is unlikely to begin until federal money becomes available.