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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PublishedFebruary 1, 2021
Portland council narrowly rejects creating a Munjoy Hill historic district
While supporters said the buildings reflect the neighborhood’s working-class history, opponents argued that the proposal would hinder development and lead to less diversity.
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PublishedFebruary 1, 2021
Portland councilors may decide today whether Munjoy Hill should be a historic district
If approved, it would be the 12th historic district in the city and would cover 49 percent of the hill.
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PublishedJanuary 27, 2021
Proposal for Portland’s tallest building clears a hurdle
A zoning amendment to allow an 18-story apartment building downtown was endorsed by the Planning Board, but still needs City Council approval.
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PublishedJanuary 22, 2021
Portland stands by strict rules for needle exchange despite warnings of higher risk
The city’s health and human services director says the program has maintained access to clean syringes without relaxing its exchange rules, but public health experts say the more restrictive approach can put people at risk during the pandemic.
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PublishedJanuary 20, 2021
Portland council holds private meeting with attorney over needle exchange rules
The vote to meet behind closed doors was unanimous despite objections by the Press Herald that the council had not provided a sufficient reason.
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PublishedJanuary 19, 2021
Portland manager wants to seek developer to build shelter near Westbrook line
City Manager Jon Jennings said in a memo to councilors that absent federal or state funding, he’d like to partner with a private developer and lease the building when it’s done.
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PublishedJanuary 19, 2021
Portland councilors to meet privately with attorney about needle exchange rules
City Hall announced the closed-door session after the Press Herald reported that Portland’s program is the only one in Maine to disregard public health guidelines and keep strict rules for syringe exchanges during the pandemic.
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PublishedJanuary 18, 2021
Portland’s needle exchange program stands alone in keeping strict rules
With overdose deaths on record pace during the pandemic, city officials are urged to take advantage of state waivers intended to ensure that drug users have access to clean needles and overdose reversal drugs.
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PublishedJanuary 18, 2021
Echoes of the past and the long road ahead for racial justice
Black Mainers reflect on the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
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PublishedJanuary 6, 2021
Maine police officials react to chaos at U.S. Capitol
One notes that President Trump could have averted the violent confrontations between his supporters and Capitol police if he had told his followers to stand down.
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