- July 20, 2026
Dear Editor:
It takes a lot to build a credible reputation and the Ormond Observer had done that; it takes one wrong decision to destroy that reputation and the Observer has now done that, sinking itself into the mire of muckraking and tabloid journalism with the publication of the “Who Is Jason Leslie” letter July 17.
In every political campaign, the candidates will attempt to keep their hands clean and find people who are willing to be the hitmen, the people doing the dirty work to tarnish the image or reputation of the opposition. It appears Ms. Tolland and her campaign staff have found just such "hitmen" in Derrick Weader and James Powers, both hyper-active on social media criticizing Mayor Leslie. And now, we can add the Editorial staff of the Ormond Beach Observer to that list.
The first thing folks need to do is look into the backgrounds of these two critics. I will let that advice serve for itself. But I'm also pretty sure the Tolland campaign felt they hit the motherlode when Derrick Weader became available to them...someone with a familial background with Mayor Leslie who could dredge up all manner of muck on him, real or perceived (the old “so, when did you stop beating your wife Mr. Jones?” ploy). Now the Tolland campaign will do its best to distance themselves from these people..."oh, we don't know anything about these gentlemen and certainly don't coordinate with them"...but they shouldn't have to do that because the Ormond Beach Observer editorial board should have done that the minute it was revealed to them that there was a prior-existing relationship between Weader and Leslie.
I encourage Ormond Beach residents to look into the background of the accusers before putting too much credibility in what is being said. And to take the judgement of the Ormond Beach Observer editorial board with a grain of salt going forward. If readers didn’t think the Observer was already a part of the Lori Tolland campaign, they sure would after this.
Doug Pettit
Ormond Beach
Editor's note: At the Observer, we do not endorse, support or contribute to political candidates or campaigns. In running Mr. Weader's letter, we followed our standard protocol. Claims were fact-checked, the family relationship was disclosed, and Mayor Jason Leslie was given a chance to respond.
