By Scott Taylor,Staff Writer

LEWISTON – Lincoln Jeffers will take over the role of continuing the city’s economic development boom.

He will replace Greg Mitchell as Lewiston’s point of contact for new business and economic development beginning in January, according to City Administrator Jim Bennett.

Jeffers, who joined city staff in January 2000, has been groomed for the job all along.

“Everybody that’s worked with Lincoln knows he has the same enthusiasm as Greg and the same positive attitude,” Bennett said. “He’s been right there for the past five years, working right alongside Greg, as his protg.”

But Jeffers won’t get Mitchell’s position, or his pay. Mitchell was one of two assistant city administrators and had a $78,398 year salary. Jeffers will be the assistant to the city administrator, and will get $56,843 per year – $4,000 per year raise from his current job, deputy director of economic and community development.

That’s at least a $20,000 per year savings for the city. Jeffers will answer directly to Bennett and will have the same authority on economic development matters as Mitchell did.

Mitchell announced this week that he would leave the city to join the private sector as a consultant for the Bangor law firm Eaton Peabody.

Bennett also will rename Phil Nadeau’s job, changing it from assistant city administrator to deputy city administrator.

That’s to make sure people don’t confuse his job, as Bennett’s second in command, with Jeffers’.