By JIM BUTLER

Marcus Connella is not following his late father’s footsteps but he is back in an environment familiar to both.

The son has returned to the City of Alexandria as interim director of Alexandria Utility System and director nominee following the resignation of Michael Marcotte.

Connella, a Louisiana Tech-educated civil engineer (BS and Master’s), was with the city from 2001-2008, serving as assistant city engineer, water superintendent and acting director of utilities along the way. He’s been with DOTD 15 years.

Preceding him with the city was his father Clarence, most often referred to and recalled as “Bo”.

The father retired from the city as superintendent of the D.G. Hunter Power Station, then worked at Cajun Electric and as a consultant to Louisiana Electric & Power Authority, which serves about 20 communities, including Alexandria.