Garrison Carroll County Commissioners found it difficult to decide who should represent Carroll County on the Twin Lakes Regional Sewer District's Board of Directors at their June 19 meeting.

The first appointee, Ron Felz, left the volunteer position after serving five months out of a four-year term, citing "personal reasons." However, three others were ready to put their hat in the ring for consideration to the post.

Ultimately J e f f e r s o n Township resident Wayne Garrison was appointed to fill Felz's tenure on the sewer district board.

"I hope you last longer than the last one," board president Jim Smith remarked at the June 22 board meeting, Garrison's first meeting as the county's representative.

Garrison said in an interview with the Comet earlier that day, even though he has a "perfectly good septic system, I am for the sewer district because I see the long-term benefits for the lake."

The lifelong Carroll County and current Shaffer's Acres resident since 1995 explained his mission for serving on the board. He said he expects to be able to bring clarification to residents involved in the service area who have questions.

"I don't like not knowing. I want to find the answers (to questions) for others," he said. "As far as making drastic changes no," Garrison added.

He said he attended some board meetings as a member of the audience over the years, but started going more after the Carroll County construction was announced.

"I don't want to see the sewer system stopped," he said. "I see the need for a sewer system. I was unhappy with the commissioners' petition to stop the sewer district in Carroll County."

Representative Garrison said he plans to provide reports to the commissioners, but is not sure in what form. He said no reporting plan was developed, but he thought either a written monthly report or a verbal report at a meeting, if it is requested, would be appropriate.

Garrison said he is not afraid to ask questions of board members or community members to clarify a point he might not fully understand. He said he considers issues with the sewer district "economic concerns."

"This basically does not affect all of Carroll County," he stated. "This affects the residents of Jefferson Township."

Garrison said he is uniquely qualified to be the county representative on the board because he has "been around the lakes since the 1960s." He said he has accessibility and knowledge of the service area.

He said he has been with Carroll County REMC for the past 12 years as a meter reader.

"I have first-hand knowledge of what's developed on the lake. I know where the problem areas are," he advised.

He said he has the opportunity to talk to residents and listen to concerns.

"I'll listen to anyone," he said.

Garrison said he can be contacted at (574) 583-6716, before 9 p.m., or by going to his Web site, lakefreemanvoice.com and posting a message to him.