Phil Audibert is the former news director of WJMA Radio in Orange. He joins Coy Barefoot in Studio for the first Orange County update, part of Charlottesville–Right Now’s effort to find out more about what else is happening in Central Virginia. Audibert says the county is feeling the effects of growth, but the size of the county makes it difficult for everyone to get involved.
“Orange County is 355 square miles, but it’s a really long county east to west,” says Audibert. “The people in the eastern end up near Fredericksburg, they have no idea what the people in Eheart or Barboursville are doing.”
Audibert talks about the history of Orange County, which was formed in 1734. He also details a recent trip he took to visit as many towns of Orange that he could. Audibert also warns that the rains this weekend will not be enough to overcome the drought.
“If you look at the Rapidan River, where the town of Orange gets its water, it is consistently lower and lower every year.” Audibert says continued growth will continue to tax the water supply. In 2002, the river completely dried up.
Audibert also discusses Orange County’s new comprehensive plan, which he says is being set up to expand growth and development in the area to accomodate people who want to be close to Charlottesville.
“We are becoming a bedroom community for Charlottesville, especially in the western end of the county.”
Audibert also writes a column for the Orange County Review.
I personally would like to see more regional coverage, and would like to see more shows like this.