January 18, 2013 - RUTLAND - Gov. Peter Shumlin today named Eldred French to replace outgoing Sen. William Carris, who is resigning his Rutland County seat for health reasons. French is an arborist who has run the Acorn Tree Service for nearly 40 years

French served two terms in the Vermont House, but lost his re-election bid last November in a district newly created through redistricting. During his legislative tenure, he was a member of House Judiciary Committee.

“Eldred was hardworking, energetic and well respected in the House,” said Gov. Shumlin. “He was willing to reach out and work collaboratively with people across Rutland County. Bill Carris has been a tremendous Senator, and I am confident that Eldred is the right person to fill Bill’s Senate seat.”

French graduated from Tufts University in 1968. He and his wife Lily have three daughters.

Carris had been representing Rutland County in the Vermont Senate since 2006. He won re-election in November, but stepped down because of chronic back and ankle pain.