A Paris businessman who lives in Powderly is set to become the newest director on the board of the Sulpher [SIC!!!] River Basin Authority.

Mike Russell is expected to be installed at the authority's April 20 meeting. He represents Lamar County Region 3. Russell fills a spot vacated by former board member Robert Parker.

"It is an honor to be appointed by Gov. Perry to the SRBA board," Russell said. "Robert Parker has served on this board for years, and it is also an honor to follow in his footsteps. He has done a great deal to help that group move forward with its agenda."

Russell said a key issue that he believes will be dealt with is the proposed 72,000-acre Marvin Nichols Lake.

"This lake, if ever built, would affect land use in Red River County primarily but would also impact Lamar County and all other counties contiguous to the proposed lake," Russell said.

The SRBA will have to deal with this and other controversial issues, according to Russell.

"This board can have a significant impact on our area regardless of what the outcome of our activities," Russell said. "Some decisions may be quite positive and others detrimental, depending on where each individual stands on the issues."

Russell, owner of Russell Insurance Agency, said that he believes that it is the board's duty to look after the interests of the counties it represents.

"I think that it is the board's duty to be sure that our region is fairly treated if the Dallas area decides it wants the water," Russell said. "The SRBA can and will do everything in our power to be sure that all our counties are enhanced by any actions that take place. I will do my utmost to that end."