A political operative who helped beat back a high-profile public-utility takeover in Maine is now listed on the website of a Pinellas County group trying to keep Duke Energy in charge of the grid for St. Petersburg and Clearwater. His quiet appearance in local campaign materials is raising fresh questions about out-of-state political muscle showing up in a hometown power battle.
Name Found On Local Pro-Duke Site
As reported by the Tampa Bay Times, the operative, identified as Willy Ritch, is listed deep on the website for a group organized to keep Duke Energy serving St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The Times reported that Ritch did not respond to questions about whether he is currently working on the Pinellas campaign.
His Record In Maine
Ritch is the executive director of Maine Affordable Energy and ran the opposition to a 2023 ballot measure that would have created a consumer-owned utility, according to reporting by the Associated Press. The AP noted that Ritch said Mainers "rejected billions of dollars in debt and they rejected the risk and uncertainty that came with it." Maine Public reported that the utilities' parent companies poured more than $18 million into the anti-takeover effort.
Why That Matters Here
The Maine fight showed how seasoned operatives and serious money can shape a local vote, which matters in Pinellas because residents may not easily see who is funding or coordinating the messaging. The Bangor Daily News and other outlets detailed how groups tied to utilities hired consultants and spent heavily to steer that campaign, a playbook that can feel very different when it shows up from out of state.
What Officials Are Saying
According to the Tampa Bay Times, Ritch has not answered questions about whether he is working for the Pinellas campaign, and the exact relationship between the local group and any utility backers is still unclear. Local advocates say they plan to scrutinize campaign filings and public messaging as the debate over who controls the grid heats up.
What To Watch Next
Residents can keep an eye on campaign finance disclosures, press statements from the Pinellas group, and any filings with local election authorities. Those documents typically reveal whether outside operatives or corporate dollars are driving local messaging. We will continue to monitor public filings and reporting and update as new information becomes available.
