- July 31, 2026
Dear Editor:
It was disappointing to learn that the Observer will no longer endorse public office candidates even though it remains vital to communities. Vetting followed by endorsements by a local newspaper can fill the low information gap particularly in local elections, since those candidates rarely have large campaign budgets for TV ads, the hiring of opposition research companies, etc.
Even a semblance of a newspaper editorial function with some in-depth fact checking of backgrounds, and in-person interviews gives voters a heads up so they don’ t show up at the polling booth knowing almost nothing about the names on the ballot, which is too often the case.
Carrying the heavy load of vetting our local and state candidates has seemingly been relegated to FlaglerLive that does a fine job, though may not reach a broader audience. What could be a welcome complement to what FlaglerLive provides is more investigative journalism. But that seems not to be a high priority for the Observer for whatever reason.
For the most part, the extent of editorial offerings and investigation by the Observer seems to rely on “letters to the editor” submitted by civic minded sleuthing residents and an occasional “guest op-ed.” And that's OK if that is the politically neutral business model it prefers.
But, given the upcoming elections and a cast of characters with such varying and glaring qualification deficiencies, problematic past behaviors, and disturbing ideologies, maybe it’s time for the Observer to reverse course, even temporarily, and make endorsements. If it prefers, call it a “civic consumer guide” instead of an endorsement.
Margaret Minutaglio
Palm Coast
Editor's Note: This is a fraught topic, as many people in the past have criticized the Observer for making political endorsements. When my wife, Hailey, and I bought the newspaper, we decided to discontinue the practice of endorsements. Our goal is to create a newspaper that everyone can trust, no matter their political views, and I believe endorsements eroded that trust in the past.
From my experience, most readers adamantly do not want us to endorse candidates.
Thank you for your interest in the Observer's coverage of candidates. We did publish an Election Guide on July 16, in which local candidates shared their views on local topics, enabling readers to easily compare what the candidates stand for.
As far as investigative journalism, we are always eager to explore topics and people in depth, where resources allow.
