Mary Bernsdorff

For SC House of Representatives, District 45 (D) 

I was born and grew up in the northeast. I came to South Carolina with my husband,  Reverend Karl G. Bernsdorff, 42 years ago. We have two married daughters, two grandsons, and a granddaughter due in September.

I received my BS from Charleston Southern University, an MAR from The Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, and an MA and EdS from The University of South Carolina where I also finished all course work for my PhD.

I am a retired educator having served as teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal. Under my direction Indian Land High School earned two Palmetto Gold awards and the Red Carpet award. We received Good or Excellent ratings on the school report card each of the four years I served. I also trained Sunday School teachers for the Lutheran Church in America.

I have lived in Lancaster for almost 30 years and have been active both professionally and in the community. I have served on the board of directors for the Lancaster Children’s Home,  president of the Lancaster Community Theater, president of my church council, and served on numerous committee’s that wrote policy and curriculum for teachers and teacher training programs. I am a member of Reformation Lutheran Church, Phi Delta Kappa, NEA, SCEA, ASCD, NASSA, The Nature Conservancy, The Sierra Club, The Wildlife Federation, The Lancaster County Council of the Arts and The Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

My hobbies include reading, camping, hiking, swimming, ballroom dancing and playing bridge.

Here are Ms. Bernsdorff's answers to some questions posed by the Institute.

South Carolina would be a better place if only...

We would all learn to celebrate our diversity and extend our southern hospitality to each other regardless of  race, religion, age, or background. We have been antagonistic and divisive for far too long. For too long we have made differences a barrier.  Think of what we could accomplish if we worked together on our common goals. We all need a safe, healthy place to live. We all need to educate our children and care for our elderly. We all need jobs and retirement benefits that insure a decent life style.  Let’s concentrate on these similarities and celebrate our diversity. Let’s work together to make South Carolina the best that it can be.

Why you - why now for this position you're running for?

I am running for elected office because I have the experience, education, and expertise to be an effective leader. As a newly retired person, with few other obligations,  I have ample time to devote working for the people in my district and our state.

With relatively few women in elected office here in SC what do you foresee to be your greatest challenge once elected to public office? How will you prepare yourself to face it?

I have been fighting for my place since I was old enough to realize the boys always received more (since grade school when I noticed all the sports were for the boys!) Standing up for myself  has become a way of life.  It is actually much easier now than it was as a young woman first entering college and then the work force. We now have at least some laws on our side.  I may have challenges, but being a woman in a man’s world will not be an issue that I haven’t already successfully dealt with.

Has there been a woman who you’ve admired in the political world and what is it about her that gives you courage to run the race?

The woman in politics that I  admire most is my mom.  She didn’t hold an elected office, but she was very active in the “behind the scenes” activities of local politics.  She fought hard for what she thought was right even when it wasn’t popular. Sometimes that meant dealing with unpleasant phone calls, snide remarks, threats, and demeaning newspaper articles. She always handled herself with grace and dignity and always protected my sister and me from the ugliness. We didn’t learn until much later just how much we were protected.  I hope I can be as graceful and dignified as my mom throughout my political career.

What is your leadership style?

My preferred leadership style is participative or democratic, seriously seeking everyone’s opinion and investment. However, I am also proficient in using other styles and know how and when to use them.

Learn more about Ms. Bernsdorff at her website: www.marybernsdorff.com