- July 30, 2026
Dear Editor:
Kudos to the Observer for its recent publication of the Election Guide for the 2026 Primary on Aug. 18. Equal space for candidates and answers to key questions affecting our community were a definite plus. However, there are two things voters need to know that were not readily apparent.
First, thinking of Aug. 18 as primary day masks the fact that, for purposes of local zone commissioner elections and that of our next mayor, it could be the race is over. Many Ormond Beach residents are not aware of the May 2019 change to our City Charter wherein a candidate who receives 50% plus one of the votes on the 18th is automatically elected. Even though another candidate may receive upwards of 49% of the the total vote, it's all over. There is no runoff in November.
The second thing not readily apparent is just why the Observer has, to date, given preferential treatment to certain candidates and mayoral contender Lori Tolland. Allow me to use my Zone 4 to make this point. Despite the journalistic sound and equal treatment of all candidates in the election guide, recent additional above-the-fold, near half-page space was given to Harold Briley's candidacy and that of Ms. Tolland.
I confirmed with Mayor Jason Leslie and Zone 4 candidate Barry DuMoulin that, as of the writing of this letter, the Observer offered neither equal space.
This favored treatment to incumbent Briley and especially to Lori Tolland at the expense of our current mayor is a disservice to Ormond Beach voters. I would hope the Observer takes immediate steps to correct this unfairness so as much as possible is known about all candidates running to represent us on Aug.18.
Bob Baumer
Ormond Beach
Editor’s note: The Observer is publishing Q&A interviews with elected officials, including Briley and Tolland, as you mentioned. In that sense, the reason they were treated differently from their opponents is that they are making decisions that voters already elected them to make, so we are holding them accountable to their current roles.
At the same time, while our process makes sense to us, it may not to others. And, we want people to trust the Observer completely, which means we need to do more to avoid even the appearance of preference. We will reach out to opposing candidates.
— Brian McMillan, publisher
