The town of Orange has appointed a veteran Republican congressional staffer interim town manager after the abrupt resignation of longtime Town Manager Greg Woods in August over disputes with Town Council.
Chris Snider, who currently serves as the town’s director of economic development, will start in his new role Saturday.
Snider has worked in a variety of local government roles since 2001 and was elected to Culpeper Town Council in 2004 and 2008. Snider also has worked for state Sen. Bryce Reeves, R-Orange, and three separate Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives, including the 5th District’s Bob Good and the 7th District’s David Brat and Eric Cantor.
Snider, who plans to move to the area with his wife soon, said in a statement he is “honored to be taking on the role of interim Town Manager to execute town council’s vision and serve the residents of the town of Orange.”
Woods served as town manager for more than 16 years before his abrupt resignation in August.
Woods said in his resignation letter he had been butting heads with two town councilors who neglect training opportunities and committee meetings, interfere with his work and, moreover, do not even live within town limits.
“It is apparent that trying to continue to work with these two council members would not be productive,” the resignation letter reads. “These council members do not have any idea of the duties of the Manager’s position, much less their own responsibilities.”
Woods’ letter does not name the two councilors, but they are likely Jeremiah Pent and Jason Cashell, whose residency has been questioned since the two conservatives ran for office in 2022. Both men registered a town address when running, but neither appears to live within the town full time. Cashell in particular is the owner of the Mayhurst Estate, a bed and breakfast outside town limits he runs with his wife, and according to their own social media, the pair appears to live there with their children.
Heather Price Ives
hives@dailyprogress.com
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Heather Price Ives
Outer Counties Reporter
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