Swancreek names new member to water panel

8/20/2003

DELTA, Ohio - An outspoken proponent of installing public waterlines in Swancreek Township was appointed to the township water board Monday, filling what has appeared to be a seat that could swing key votes.

Rick Kazmierczak, a U.S. Postal Service employee, was appointed with a 2-1 vote of the township trustees. Phil Wiland voted no.

Mr. Kazmierczak, 48, moved to Swancreek Township last summer from Waterville Township and has been disappointed with the quality and quantity of his well water.

“I am still for the water,” Mr. Kazmierczak said. “It's something we need to do. We just need to get the best possible product that we can at the cheapest possible price.”

He replaces Dann Shelley who resigned for health reasons this month.

Mr. Shelley, who was board secretary, said he supported installing waterlines and assessing homeowners almost $8,900 per dwelling, even though the project was opposed 2-1 on a water board survey of the owners of 544 affected properties.

Mr. Shelley had voted with board President Tom Sallows and Treasurer Skip Green on several key measures opposed by newest board members Mark Fowler and Walt Lange.