Voters in Maine’s largest city decisively approved a minimum wage increase on Tuesday, endorsing a city councilor’s proposal to raise the current $15.50 per hour to $19 per hour in increments over the next couple years.
Nearly 63 percent voted in favor of the hike, versus only 35.5 percent who opposed it. Portland businesses had expressed serious concerns about the impact of such a move.
“This is not good for business, not good for jobs,” Steve DeMillo, owner of the iconic floating restaurant DeMillo’s said.
At the same time, incumbent at-large councilor Pious Ali secured a fourth term on the Portland City Council Tuesday, defeating challenger Sam Aborne in the only contested council race in the city.
Councilor Regina Phillips, representing District 3, also won re-election and will begin a new term after running unopposed.
The results mean Ali remains the longest-serving at-large member on the council and will continue to represent Portland’s city-wide constituency, while Phillips continues to serve her district, which stretches from Parkside to Libbytown and into parts of the Back Cove neighborhood.
No additional contested seats appeared on the ballot for the council, underscoring the limited electoral competition in the city this cycle.
Ali’s victory ensures continuity in the council’s at-large representation, while Phillips’ uncontested re-election maintains existing leadership in District 3. Both councilors are set to begin their new terms in December
