The Orange Town Council is seeking a new member following the resignation of Jeremiah Pent.
On Nov. 6, Pent sent an email to his fellow council members informing them of his immediate resignation. He said his work situation had changed dramatically and its demands made his continued involvement with the council impossible.
“I am sorry this precludes me from finishing out my term and I apologize for the inconvenience this may cause you in filling my seat,” Pent wrote.
Pent was elected to council during the November 2022 election alongside incumbent Donna Waugh-Robinson and Jason Cashell. Since their election, Pent and Cashell have drawn skepticism due to questions regarding their residency. Pent and his wife own Arcadia at Edgewood, located in Madison County while Cashell’s home, Mayhurst, is located in Orange County, outside of town limits. The Pent’s property was listed for sale Oct. 20 for $5.75 million and remains on the market. Pent’s term on the council expires Dec. 31, 2026.
In his resignation letter, Pent suggested that Jeff Crane be appointed to complete the remainder of his term. Crane also sought election to the council during the 2022 election and was the fourth top vote getter.
“I believe he would do an excellent job in that capacity,” Pent wrote.
In his closing, Pent said he has “high hopes for the future of Orange and wants to see the town succeed.” He also offered his services in a consulting capacity in the future.
During the regular council meeting Monday, council members accepted Pent’s resignation and voted to advertise the vacancy. The council is accepting applications from interested residents to fill the remainder of Pent’s term. The application can be found online at https://www.townoforangeva.gov/DocumentCenter/View/30/Application-to-Serve-on-Town-Boards?bidId= and must be submitted to town clerk Wendy Chewning at townclerk@townoforangeva.org or in-person at 119 Bellview Avenue, Orange by noon Monday, Dec. 1.
During the work session meeting scheduled for Dec. 1 at 6 p.m., the council will announce the names of the applicants and their resumes will be available for public inspection. The council will formally announce the appointment during the regular meeting Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. The town council meets in the Town of Orange Community Room, 235 Warren Street, Orange.
