Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been covering Portland City Hall for the Press Herald since 2012. His beat touches on a wide range of topics, including immigration, homelessness, education, tourism, real estate development and the economy in Maine’s largest city. He has been a Portland-based journalist since 2005. A life-long Mainer who loves the outdoors, Randy is also a bassist who brews his own beer at his North Yarmouth home, where he lives with his wife and two children.
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PublishedJune 15, 2018
Sen. King says U.S. should stop separating families and instead help efforts like Portland’s
The senator tours shelters in the Bayside neighborhood, and says federal support for such efforts is humane and less costly in the long run than the Trump administration policy.
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PublishedJune 15, 2018
Homeless families fuel record use of Portland’s emergency shelters
An average of 520 people stayed overnight in March and April, with much of the increase attributed to immigrants seeking political asylum.
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PublishedJune 11, 2018
Portland says paid sick time proposal could add as much as $400,000 to city budget
The estimated cost includes enforcing the ordinance in the private sector, as well as the cost of providing paid sick time to all city employees.
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PublishedJune 11, 2018
See Portland for what to expect from ranked-choice voting
Portland has used the voting method twice already to choose a mayor.
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PublishedJune 4, 2018
Portland councilors approve development rules aimed at ‘density without claustrophobia’ on Munjoy Hill
The proposal addressing development concerns will allow the city to delay demolition requests for certain buildings.
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PublishedJune 4, 2018
Portland council to take up proposal to slow Munjoy Hill demolitions
The City Council will vote Monday on a plan that would make it harder to tear down and replace older homes, as the East End neighborhood experiences the pressure of development.
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PublishedJune 4, 2018
After year of groundwork, new office expands efforts to integrate immigrants into Portland economy
A TV show, workshops, industry connections and even a game to educate newcomers about available resources are some of the initiatives being rolled out by the city’s Office of Economic Opportunity
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PublishedMay 30, 2018
Duffel bag found on street corner triggers evacuation in Old Port while bomb squad investigates
The bag was left on a sidewalk near the U.S. Custom House, prompting police to evacuate nearby businesses and close streets.
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PublishedMay 29, 2018
Chamber, Portland mayor take simmering feud public
Tension over Mayor Ethan Strimling’s plan to make businesses offer earned paid sick time erupts into a war of words with a former key ally.
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PublishedMay 23, 2018
Portland hires former New York City administrator as assistant city manager
Mona Bector will be one of two assistant city managers at City Hall, replacing a longtime deputy city manager retiring this summer.
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