Anne Thayer

For SC House of Representatives, District 9 (R)

Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, Anne Thayer graduated with honors from Marycrest College located in Davenport, Iowa with a BA in Business Administration. She and her husband, Dr. Mark Thayer, have three children and have lived in Anderson for the last 20 years.

Anne is the owner of Thayer Properties, LLC which she founded in 2000 and Thayer Commercial Properties, LLC which she founded in 2004. She is also the current administrator for The Thayerapy Center in Anderson.

Mrs. Thayer has served on The State Foster Care Review Board. She is currently the chairperson for The Anderson County Foster Care Review Board where she has served for seven years.

Over the past 20 years she has spent much of her time serving on boards and committees in the Anderson community. She is the past chairman of Anderson Interfaith Ministries, served on the City of Anderson's Architectural Control Board and is past president of Anderson Heritage. Under her leadership as president of Anderson Heritage, the historic walking tour, the Christmas Tour of Homes and the stained glass ornament collection of historic places was established. These annual traditions are still anticipated and enjoyed in Anderson today.

Dr. and Mrs. Thayer attend NewSpring Community church where they serve as small group leaders. They are active members in the Anderson County Republican Party. Anne is also a member of the Anderson County Republican Women and has worked on numerous campaigns.

Here are Mrs. Thayer's answers to some questions posed by the Institute.

South Carolina would be a better place if only…

We had a stronger education system that better equipped our young people for the challenges they will face after graduation. It is my opinion that economic development and the strength of our education system are directly linked. Companies are attracted to states with an educated work force already in place. Companies also are more likely to locate to places where they know their children will be well educated.

Why you-why now?

I decided to run for office as I wanted to become part of the solution to the problems which our state faces. In life there are many seasons. I have enjoyed the last season of my life raising my children and starting my business. My children are getting ready to graduate and the business no longer requires as much of my attention. It seemed like the perfect time to give of myself, to serve others, to be a strong voice for my community and to offer proactive solutions to the challenges that face our state.

What’s the most valuable educational experience you've had?

Having a child with a learning disability has been and continues to be my most valuable educational experience. In order to teach him, I had to retrain the way I was taught to think and learn. In the public school system, I had to become his greatest advocate. The system had little faith in what he would accomplish. Through the hard work, faith and determination only a mother has, he is now an honor student in high school. This experience has taught me to think outside the box and to challenge a system of one size fits all.

What is something about you that your friends would be surprised to learn?

Most of my friends would be surprised to learn I have a concealed weapon's permit and carry a gun.

Has political office been a life long dream of yours or has something moved you to this decision?

Politics has always been a big part of my life. My grandmother's first cousin served in the U. S. Senate and was the Governor of South Carolina. Growing up, the adults always talked politics at the family table on Sundays. My family thought the Democratic Party was the only party. When I decided to run for office, I knew they would be upset since I was one of the few Republicans in the family. When I phoned my great aunt to tell her the good news, she replied, "Please don't come out of the closet and do this to our family." In March she celebrated her 100th birthday and made her first donation to a republican candidate.While politics was never my lifelong ambition, the misdirection of our country necessitated my desire to serve.

Learn more about Mrs. Thayer on her website: www.annethayer.com