Hill announces for state senate

PENSACOLA –Local businessman Mike Hill, Republican, has announced his candidacy for the office of Florida Senator, District 2 being vacated by Senator Durrell Peaden.

“In the next election Northwest Florida voters must choose a new state senator,”said Mike Hill.  “The question I ask the voters is this:  Will we choose a leader who makes decisions based on a strong set of moral values, the courage of his convictions, and the ability to make good sound governmental and business decisions, or will we choose a candidate who makes decisions based on winning and staying in office? We must be a return to the basic principle that elected officials are placed in office to make decisions in the interest of the people they serve and not further a political career. I offer my candidacy as a hard-working statesman and not a politician. It is time for the people to be heard and not just special interests.”

Hill added, “In meeting the voters of District 2, I will discuss with them the issues and problems facing us in these trying times. I want to hear what the citizens have to say!  I believe the citizens in the Northwest Florida Panhandle are mainly conservative who cherish family and traditional moral values, personal responsibility, reasonable budgets and the rule of law.”

Having received a Presidential Nomination from President Gerald R Ford to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Mike graduated in 1980 and served ten years in the military before leaving in 1990 to go into business.  While on active duty Mike wasawarded the Company Grade Officer of the Year at Eglin AFB and earned a MBA from the University of West Florida .  Since 1990 Mike has been associated with State Farm Insurance Company both as an agent and as and agency field consultant, opening his own agency in Pensacola in 2000.  Mike and Greta (his wife of 26years), have three children, Joshua, 16, Jessica, 14; and Jonathan, 13. 

A respected civic leader, Mike’s service to the communitypresently includes:

Florida Advisory Committee , U.S. Civil Rights Commission, Atlanta , since 2006
West Florida Hospital, Board of Directors, since 2003, (Chairman 2009–2008)
University of West Florida Foundation, Board of Directors, since 2001
United Cerebral Palsy, Board of Directors, since 2002 (Incoming Chair)
Panhandle Tiger Bay Club, Board of Directors, since 2004
Escambia Bay Marine Institute, Board of Directors, since 2000, (Chairman, 2005-2006)
Prison Rehabilitative Industries, St Petersburg , Board of Directors, since 2000 (Treasurer 2004 – Present)
Gideons International, Northwest FL Camp, Pensacola , FL , since 1995
 
His previous service includes:

2003-2007: Pensacola Symphony Orchestra; Board of Directors
2001-2004: Gulf Coast Economics Club, Board of Directors, (Chairman 2002-2003)
1996-2000: American Heart Association, Board of Directors, (Chairman 1999-2000)
1994-1996: Barnett Bank, Board of Trustees
1993-1995: Ft Walton Beach Medical Center , Board of Trustees
1991-1996: Okaloosa Walton Community College , Board of Trustees