North Las Vegas entrepreneur enters race for state Senate

By Megan Messerly

Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015 | 10 p.m.

North Las Vegas entrepreneur Arsen Ter-Petrosyan announced Thursday he plans to run for state Senate in District 1 next year.

The Republican Ter-Petrosyan, 38, said he plans to cut crime, create jobs and help nonprofit organizations if he is elected in the district, which largely comprises the northern section of North Las Vegas. The seat is occupied by Democratic Sen. Pat Spearman, who was first elected in November 2012.

Ter-Petrosyan said he moved to North Las Vegas about a year ago after he saw an interview on TV with the city’s mayor, John Lee, and decided he wanted to help Lee and the city out. Now, Ter-Petrosyan is working to open what he calls Mini City Hall, which would provide services to North Las Vegas residents and act as a liaison between residents and the actual city hall.

“I came to this city, the city of North Las Vegas, with one purpose — to help the city,” Ter-Petrosyan said.

Former Nevada Gov. Bob List endorsed Ter-Petrosyan Thursday at an event hosted by the North Vegas Valley Republican Women at Ter-Petrosyan’s house in North Las Vegas.

“I have not known Arsen very long,” List said. “But sometimes you know from the beginning that they have a good heart.”

Ter-Petrosyan immigrated from Armenia when he was 12 years old and grew up in Los Angeles. He moved to the Las Vegas Valley five years ago. Ter-Petrosyan said he has never run for public office but sees it as the next step in helping his community.

“My slogan is not just 'by the people for the people,' but 'by the people with the people,'” Ter-Petrosyan said. “That’s what I want to do.”