Municipal leaders want the revenue opportunity, but others say it would be discouraging to tourism.
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
LePage on plastic foam ban: Don’t be ‘nanny’
He co-signs a letter to Portland councilors as a task force urges them to prohibit polystyrene use.
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Posted inNews
Portland’s new slogan inspires mix of bravos, boos
City and business leaders laud its versatility and simplicity, but online communities and a local expert aren’t impressed.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Portland unveils new city slogan
The slogan is part of a new branding system the city expects to roll out over the summer.
Posted inNews, Politics
Portland will discuss legalizing pot
The City Council’s public hearing comes in response to a petition for legalized recreational marijuana.
Posted inMaine, News
Libbytown plan would remove four I-295 ramps
The proposal to reconnect the fragmented Portland neighborhood will be presented Wednesday.
Posted inNews
Portland finance panel settles on $1.1M more in cuts
The cuts are needed to make up for the loss of state revenue that had not been accounted for.
Posted inBusiness, News
Lobster firm seeks processing space on Portland pier
Richmond-based Shucks Maine Lobster wants to lease nearly 19,000 square feet of space in the city-owned Portland Ocean Terminal on the Maine State Pier.
Posted inNews
City validates petitions on legalization of marijuana
Portland residents may vote in November on allowing possession of up to 2.5 ounces without penalty
Posted inNews
Backyard coops provide urban respite, generate cackling at city halls
Backyard chicken farming arrived in Maine cities about five years ago, when communities from South Portland to Bangor debated whether to allow the practice in urban settings.