Last month, State Rep. Mike Hill received $1,000 from Responsible Government Committee of Gulf Power Company Employees. The Political Action Committee is funded by Gulf Power, even though its name refers to the utility’s employees. Gulf Power put $50,000 in the PAC in July.
The Orlando Sentinel editorial board has described Hill and fellow lawmaker Dennis Baxley as “poster children for today’s lack of political accountability.”
Inweekly’s report of Hill laughing at a constituent’s suggestion that gay people be put to death per the Bible drew nationwide criticism and from House Speaker Jose Olivá and his 2020 successor, Chris Sprowls. He is considered one of the most ineffective lawmakers in the Florida House. Yet, Gulf Power appears to be endorsing him.
The contribution is a sad indication of how out of touch with our community the new leadership of Gulf Power has become since Florida Power & Light (NextEra Energy) purchased the utility from the Southern Company.