Converse Chellis III spent a decade in the South Carolina House of Representatives before being named state treasurer in August. He and two staffers visited the Anderson Independent-Mail as part of a statewide tour.

After a half-hour discussing his credentials — he’s a certified public accountant and served as the chair of several House committees — and his feelings on key issues, such as why endowed professorships and worker’s compensation reform are good for business, he was off to meet with local government finance officers, dark suit entourage in tow.

But, being the kind of Southern gentleman who could pull off a name like Converse, he agreed to a short Q&A by e-mail.

Q What’s a normal day in the treasurer’s office like?

A Meeting with staff, bank officials, and constituents; monitoring our states investments; approving bond sales; reviewing stock market activity.

Q Who carries the checkbook in your house, you or your wife?

A We each have a checking account, but I also hold the “household” checkbook.

Q What’s the best piece of investing advice anyone has ever offered you?

A. Dollar averaging investments, and “buy low and sell high.”

Q. How would you describe South Carolina’s finances in 50 words or less?

A. Stable

Q. What’s the biggest misconception about the treasurer’s office?

A. The importance of the office as it relates to the amount of dollars we invest on a daily basis (billions and billions).

Q. When you visited the newspaper, you mentioned your involvement in worker’s compensation reform in the state. How did you feel about the legislation as it was approved and what, if anything, do you think needs to happen next?

A. It’s very strong legislation. It’s pro-business. We should now see insurance rates begin to come down.

Q. Do you think the controversy that surrounded Thomas Ravenel leaving office will affect the way people treat and interact with the treasurer’s office?

A. I hope not. I wish Thomas the best. We have a staff of professionals in our office that maintain high standards with years of experience overseeing our state’s banking and investment needs.

Q. What advice would you give to someone who wants to work in government?

A. I think public service is honorable. Although it’s usually not high-paying, I hope it’s rewarding to those who serve.

Q. What’s your favorite thing to do on a day off?

A. Anything outdoors, watching local football games, hunting, being on the lake.

Q. Tell us one thing the general public probably doesn’t know about you.

A. The ability to out eat anyone.