MECHANIC FALLS – The town council recently appointed Stephen L. French as superintendent of the Mechanic Falls Water Department.

The choice of French to replace Paul Hackett, who retired as superintendent at the end of August after 32 years on the job, was a natural one. French, a 20-year employee of the department, has served as assistant superintendent since 2001.

“I was hired as service man in February 1987. Responsible for outside maintenance, I spent most of my time out of the office. Now, I will be responsible for the office as well,” said French.

A native of Auburn and graduate of Edward Little High School, class of 1969, French worked for the Auburn Water District a total of 14 years before signing on in Mechanic Falls.

Now a resident of Minot, French joined the Minot Fire Department in the late 1970s and has served as fire chief since 1985. He is a selectmen in Minot, in the third year of his second term on that board.

He and his wife, Brenda, have two grown children, Laurie, and Jayme, who was an Auburn firefighter.

French said he has no plans to make significant changes in how the department is run.

“We have a well-run operation. If there are any changes, it will just be a matter of a tweak here and there, ” French said.

French does, however, see potential growth in the department’s customer base, particularly in the Pigeon Hill, Routes 11 and 26 area.

“That area has added 60 water services in recent years. In 1989, we drilled our well there and, with the Pigeon Hill water tank now coming online, we’re poised to meet any increase in demand,” said French.

French said that expanding in that area, adding new customers, would have the effect of slowing down the need to increase water rates.

Town Manager John Hawley recently announced the hiring of Christopher Wilson as French’s replacement, bringing the department to full strength.

Carolyn Bennett continues her part-time work handling office duties and Jacob Verrill, an eight-year department veteran, continues as part-time water operator.