Under pressure, Templeton advisory group chair resigns

August 26, 2026

David Leader

By KAREN VELIE

Under pressure from every other member of the board, Templeton Area Advisory Group Chair David Leader resigned on Tuesday.

“I formally and publicly resigned last night,” Leader emailed the advisory group on Wednesday. “I did so for two reasons: My Attorney strongly advised me to avoid all TAAG meetings for the time being. It would be in TAAG’s best short-term interest.”

Facing 32 criminal charges related to violating restraining and court orders, vandalism and petty theft – Leader agreed to plead guilty to eight charges. Last week, a judge sentenced 71-year-old Leader to 30 days in jail for one felony count of vandalism and seven charges of violating restraining orders.

As part of the court order and multiple restraining orders, Leader is required to stay at least 100 yards away from eight of his victims.

Sign designating a private road that Leader vandalized

Even though three of his victims attended last Thursday advisory group meeting, knowing they planned to attend, Leader at first said he would not leave. However, after a San Luis Obispo County deputy asked him to leave while the protected parties were in attendance, he waited outside the building.

Following the meeting, the remaining board members asked Leader to resign.

“I’m writing regarding your continued role as chair of the board on the Templeton Area Advisory Group Board,” Board Member Matt Thomsen wrote in an email to Leader. “Given your recent felony conviction, I believe it is appropriate that you resign from your volunteer position with the Templeton Area Advisory Group.

“As a community organization entrusted with serving local residents, maintaining the confidence and trust of our members and the broader community is important,” Thomsen added. “I appreciate the contributions you have made to the group, and wish you well moving forward.”

Leader’s responses demean the victims in his criminal case and Board Member Murray Powell for allegedly turning the meeting into a “circus.”

“As we removed the felony conviction clause from our bylaws several months ago, why does this even matter? Leader wrote in his response to Thomsen “It seems a bit hypocritical doesn’t it? And the felony was for some $678 in private signs. Keep in mind that President Trump has something like 32 felony convictions……go figure.

“Nonetheless, I will do what is best for TAAG and I will be making an announcement shortly via the Tribune.

“None of you should trust Murray at any level. It turns out he was a big part of what is in the CCN  this morning and what took place at our board meeting. At this meeting, he was once again out of control and extremely disrespectful to board members and to members of the public. He should be voted off at the next board meeting, and can be.”

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