Lawson off Subconservancy board

DAYTON - The Carson Water Subconservancy District board will have a new look when it meets in January.

After eight years of service, board member Charles Lawson's bid to be reappointed to the regional board was turned down this week by Lyon County commissioners.

Appointed in his place is Dayton rancher Tom Minor.

Commissioner Bob Milz, also a member of the subconservancy board, said Lawson had done a good job on the board, but Minor's agricultural background was more suitable.

"His (Lawson's) background is municipal water and he has done an admirable job," Milz said. "Tom Minor, as he indicated in his letter, has wanted to be on the board for some time. He represents the agricultural industry and the task of the Carson Water Subconservancy District is Carson water subconservancy, not Carson River."

Lyon County is allowed two members on the 11-member subconservancy board. With Minor's appointment, both members will now reside south of the river in Dayton. Lawson resides in Stagecoach, in Commissioner Chet Hillyard's district. He was appointed in 1993 when Hillyard said he did not wish to be reappointed.

Opposed to removing Lawson, Hillyard said, "If it isn't broken, why fix it? Charley Lawson has done a good job."

Reached for comment following the meeting, Lawson said, "It will be very interesting to see how Mr. Minor works out and how he represents all the communities along the corridor."

Commissioner David Fulstone's motion to appoint Minor was approved, with Hillyard casting the only negative vote.

"It is nice to see someone like Tom interested in the position. Charley served well, but I do think change from time to time is good," Fultone said.