No Special Election for Vacant Salem House Seat

The town will not hold a special election to fill the seat vacated by the recent resignation of State Rep. Gary Azarian.

"In my bulletin I have made the board aware that because of the timing of Representative Azarian's resignation from the House that the House seat will remain vacant," Town Manager Keith Hickey told selectmen Monday. "We aren't able to hold another election. The timing just won't allow it. So that seat will remain vacant for the balance of the term."

That means Azarian's successor won't be chosen until the general election in November. The Republican lawmaker resigned his House seat due to work and family obligations.