Orange Town Council’s newest member has been selected by the court.
On Friday, interim town manager Chris Snider announced that Jeff Crane had been sworn in to complete the unexpired term for Jeremiah Pent. Pent resigned Nov. 6 leaving the four remaining council members to choose a replacement. They were unable to do so, and with the 45-day limit up, the matter was referred to the court. That paperwork was submitted Tuesday. According to Snider, Orange County Circuit Court Judge David Franzen signed the order appointing Crane to fill the vacancy Thursday.
Crane was one of five Orange residents who applied for the role including Richard Langford, Elliott Fox, Patrick McAloon and Timothy James Bosford, Jr. Langford, Fox and Bosford, Jr. have all previously served on the town council. Crane is currently on the planning commission and McAloon is on the town’s Industrial Development Authority.
In his resignation letter, Pent suggested that Crane be appointed to complete the remainder of his term. Crane sought election to the council during the recent election and was the fourth top vote getter.
“I believe he would do an excellent job in that capacity,” Pent wrote.
Council member Jason Cashell agreed, stating Crane would be the objective choice. Mayor Harrison Cluff said Crane represented the public’s voice since he was a top vote getter in the last election.
Council member Donna Waugh-Robinson motioned to appoint Fox, which was seconded by council member Delmer Seal, but failed 2-2 with Pent and Cluff dissenting. A second motion by Waugh-Robinson, this time for McAloon, had the same fate. Cluff’s motion to appoint Crane was seconded by Pent, but also failed 2-2, this time with Waugh-Robinson and Seal dissenting.
At a December council meeting, Crane said he was raised in Orange with family on his mother’s side going way back. His father, Crane said, was a businessman in town for nearly 50 years and his wife is from a local family who once owned Colvin Motor Lines.
“I want to see what’s best happen here,” Crane said. “I have a deep interest in this community. I feel I’m a competent candidate to serve on this council and do what’s right for this community.”
Crane will serve through Dec. 31, 2026, but has noted he will likely seek election to a full four-year term this November.
