LASHER LEAVES NADLER

a top aide to rep. jerrold nadler is leaving the congressional payroll to join the new york city department of education. micah lasher, a fixture at nadler's upper west side office, is now the department's executive director of public affairs. "it's an exciting opportunity and an exciting time for public education in the city," lasher said. "i thought that i can apply the skills i learned over the years in politics and government and with congressman nadler to deliver for the public school system." at the department of education, lasher, 27, will oversee the city school system's legislative agenda on a city, state and federal level, including the renewal of mayoral control of the schools. a political wunderkind, lasher began his career as a democratic operative before he was even old enough to drink. at 20, he co-founded knickerbocker skd, a consulting firm. two years ago, he left his career as a hard-nosed political consultant and entered the public sector as nadler's west side community representative. lasher was a candidate to succeed gale brewer in the city council until mayor michael bloomberg succeeded in extending term limits. with this new position, however, lasher is staying mum on his political ambitions. "this is an exciting job with a lot of challenges that keep me on the toes every day," lasher said. "thinking about four years from now is the last thing i'm doing."