Jenny Thacker

Jenny Thacker earned a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 1989. Her career experience includes working in management.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Jenny Thacker grew up believing a democratic system of government only works if people participate. In college she vowed to write at least one letter a week to a leader who could make a difference about a cause that mattered to her, a vow that she has never broken. After earning her BA in Geography at the University of California, Santa Barbara, she joined the US Peace Corps, traveled widely, and settled in Jefferson County, West Virginia to raise her family, coach soccer, and commute to Washington, D.C. to work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) making nautical charts so our sailors can make it safely to port. After 30 years managing cartographic projects, she has retired from federal service and is now working to improve our state.

Jenny Thacker is striving to build and improve conditions in our state and most importantly our district. She volunteers her time working with Blue Ridge Food Pantry, stream cleaning Town Run, and entertaining Seniors with presentations at Shepherdstown Library. She is currently training to be a Master Gardener and volunteer with the county extension service. She coached girls' soccer for eight years, helped maintain trails with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, and has taught dozens of children and adults to kayak, swim, camp, and backpack. She knows our community.

Jenny understands the people of our part of West Virginia and the need to improve state support for many of our needs.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Jenny Thacker will focus on the practical things that affect everyone in the district regardless of party: lower utility rates, safe water, and fair pay for our teachers and other public servants.Jenny Thacker will stand up for local control when large industries such as data centers, high-power transmission lines, and water-bottling plants want to start projects in our community. If they come here, she will fight to make them follow our zoning laws, and she will fight for clear, enforceable safeguards and independent monitoring to protect our air and water.Change starts locally. We must get involved, pick legislators who will support our community, stay informed, and vote.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Local control. We have one of the most beautiful counties in the country. It's filled with dynamic people, beautiful scenery, natural resources, and historic sites. We don't need to give it away. This state tends to run the government from the top down, and because the Eastern Panhandle has more money they don't always support us. We need to change that.