By Ginger Kozlowski
Staff Writer

Few people in Auburn probably realize it, but there's an election coming right up.

When Paul Smith moved from Auburn this year, he had to resign as state representative for Rockingham County District 3, which serves Auburn and Londonderry. Now residents of both towns are being asked to vote on Tuesday, Jan. 24, for his replacement.

Running for office are Alfred P. Baldasaro on the Republican ticket and John Robinson on the Democratic side. Both are from Londonderry.

Baldasaro is a retired U.S. Marine who served in Desert Storm.

"I got tired of seeing people forced out of town because of high taxes," said Baldasaro. "Throwing money at a situation is not the way to solve a problem.

Baldasaro said he will work to protect the elderly and veterans as well as work toward a solution to equitable school funding.

"We didn't have to do it (the election)," said Auburn Town Clerk Nancy Gagnon, "but they (Londonderry) requested it." Robinson has four children in school and his wife is a teacher.

"I'm deeply committed to education," he said.

Auburn and Londonderry were joined when the state redrew district lines two years ago. This is the first year that elections have been done under the new districts, said the Londonderry town clerk.

Gagnon noted that there was a primary runoff, and a total of 69 people voted in Auburn. She said the turnout for the final vote isn't expected to be much higher.

Nonetheless, the polls will be open Jan. 24 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Auburn Village School. The winner will hold office until November, when a full two-year term will again need to be filled.