Lawmaker resigns over new job

CONCORD – A Salem Republican lawmaker became the first to resign from the New Hampshire Legislature, citing a new work commitment in Hudson.

Mark Pearson won his second term as one of 13 in the Rockingham County district that includes Salem and Windham.

On Wednesday, Pearson informed House Speaker Terie Norelli, D-Portsmouth, that work conflicts forced him to resign.

Pearson had served on the House Municipal and County Government Committee.

“My new occupation as an assistant town administrator in the town of Hudson is an opportunity to put this knowledge and experience to work on a daily basis,” Pearson said.

Pearson, 50, had been serving as a captain in the Salem Police Department, is a U.S. Marine reservist and holds a law degree from the Massachusetts School of Law.

The resignation leaves the House with 398 members that have been sworn into office.

Rep. Ruth Ginsburg, D-Nashua, has yet to take the oath of office to a sixth term because she’s been in the hospital this month.