Ableser to leave Arizona Senate for Nevada post

• State Sen. Ed Ableser, D-Tempe, is resigning his seat after nearly a decade
• Ableser has accepted a job with the Nevada Department of Education
• The vacancy must be filled by a fellow Democrat

State Sen. Ed Ableser is resigning his legislative seat after nearly a decade to lead a new division at the Nevada Department of Education.

Ableser, D-Tempe, said his new position — director of an office that will focus on anti-bullying efforts— melds his work as a family counselor with his academic work. He holds a Ph.D. in Justice and Social Inquiry from Arizona State University.

"It is unbelievable for me to go to a position like this, that is like nothing else in the nation," Ableser told The Republic.

In his role as director of the Office for a Safe and Respectful Learning Environment, Ableser will oversee efforts to educate school officials, from principals to coaches, on the effects of bullying and cyber-bullying on children.

The position is fueled, in part, by the GOP-controlled Nevada Legislature's decision to raise $1.3 billion in taxes to support education. The package, pushed by Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval, freed up money to elevate the education department's anti-bullying efforts into a formal office.

"There is no way I could pass this up. This is what I do," Ableser said, referring to his counseling work.

Although he said he had mixed feelings about leaving the Arizona Legislature, he didn't hesitate when asked if he had regrets.

"No!" he said. "I always said the Senate is the place where our lawmakers go to die in peace or retire," he joked, adding he opted for retirement.

His Senate resignation is effective Sept. 30. That will trigger a replacement process, which must result in selection of a Democrat.

Ableser joined the Legislature in 2006, when he was appointed to fill the Senate seat Harry Mitchell vacated to run for U.S. Congress. He then ran for the House, where he served three terms. He rejoined the Senate after the 2012 election.

Ableser said he will begin his new post Oct. 1. His wife, Hilary, is the daughter of U.S. Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev. The move will bring the Ablesers, with their two small children, closer to family, he said.

Reach the reporter at maryjo.pitzl@arizonarepublic.com or at 602-228-7566.