Back in the mid-1980s, Joe Salter really never had considered entering the
world of politics – his chosen field was education.
Indeed, Salter had spent some 33 years in the world of elementary and secondary
education.
Back in the mid-1980s, Joe Salter really never had considered entering the
world of politics – his chosen field was education.
Indeed, Salter had spent some 33 years in the world of elementary and secondary
education.
Then, some good friends gave him a call.
The area state representative was leaving his seat. Would Salter be interested
in running for it, they wanted to know.
Thinking about it, Salter realized he may be. He asked for time to pray about
it and to talk to his family.
One of those he talked to was his mother-in-law, who offered some succinct
– and pointed – advice.
“I think you need to do it because Ive always heard a honest man
cant get elected, and if he does, he cant stay that way,” she
told Salter.
“Id like to see you do it in order to prove that wrong.”
In the end, Salter took up the challenge.
Now, 18 years and several additional elections later, by the testimony of fellow
representatives and observers, Salter has proven the old axiom wrong.
In addition, the veteran state representative from Florien has reached the
pinnacle of his chosen field – serving as speaker of the Louisiana House
of Representatives.
“That was just a shot out of the dark,” Salter says of the position
his fellow representatives bestowed on him earlier this year. “I never
expected that.”
Louisiana Baptists may understand the feeling. Whether they realize the situation
or not, certainly few would have expected to witness a state legislature such
as it is.
Following the election of a new governor, the leaders of both the state House
and the Senate are members at Louisiana Baptist churches. Salter is a member
and deacon at First Baptist Church of Florien. Senate President is a member
at First Baptist Church of Bunkie. (The Baptist Message is contacting Hines
to prepare a feature on him)
One of the first things Joe Salter does as a pair of visitors enter his office
is show a photograph of his newest grandchild. He tells of holding the baby
during a recent worship service. “And the baby slept – not me,”
he says, laughing.
The setting is the speakers office in the state Capitol, the prized office
of the House of Representatives. But there is no show of pride or position on
the part of Salter. It is as if he is as surprised – and humbled –
to be there as anyone.
“I didnt come here interested in leadership,” he says of his
journey to state government back in the 1980s. “I just wanted to represent
my people, improve things.”
And that is just what Salter did for years. Part of that effort included working
closely with the Louisiana Moral and Civic Foundation on issues of moral and
social concern.
“Rep. Salter has been our floor leader for the past 10 years or more,”
foundation Executive Director Ken Ward reports. “He has always lived an
exemplary life of a Christian public servant. He is not only tremendously respected
in the legislature but is also exemplary as an advocate for moral values, based
upon his Christian faith.”
But then, earlier this year, Salter received another call.
This one came from newly-elected Gov. Kathleen Blanco. She wanted to talk to
him about the position of speaker.
“Id never even thought of that,” Salter says. “That was
the farthest thing from my mind.”
Again, he says he prayed – and said yes to the possibility. Not long afterwards,
Salters fellow representatives elected him to serve as their leader.
Praying about such decisions is a matter of course for Salter, who was reared
in Antioch Baptist Church in Florien, where his parents were very active. “We
were there Sunday mornings and Sunday nights. I learned early on things like
tithing were very important – and I still practice that today.”
Indeed, Salter even ended up directing music at the church for a period of
time. “It was the best experience I could have had,” he says.
It also helped to prepare Salter for standing before groups of people –
and he acknowledges that. But then, he cites various experiences as signs of
God working in his life.
Salter also acknowledges that he now is involved in a field of which many Christians
take a dim view. Some even wonder if a person of strong – and firm –
moral views can work in a field marked by negotiation and compromise.
Salter says it is possible.
“If youre going to accomplish anything in a body like this, …
you have to be able to work with other people, …” he says. “There
has to be compromising. But its been my experience that you can do that
without giving up your faith.”
On most issues, compromises are appropriate, Salter explains. But on some,
there is no swaying, he notes.
“My faith gives me a clear sense of whats right and wrong. … I
pretty well know early on whats right or wrong.”
It also helps that Salter does not see himself tied to any particular political
party or philosophy. Indeed, Louisiana is unique in that its legislature operates
largely free of partisan politics, he notes.
Louisiana also affords citizens access to state government – and Salter
agrees that Christians should seize that opportunity to impact their state for
the good.
“What is crucial and critical is a grassroots efforts, …” he says.
“Theres absolutely no substitution for individual contact with legislators.
… Theres absolutely nothing like having a constituent contact me (on
an issue).”
Serving constituents is the essence of the job, Salter maintains. “When
youre running for office, youre a politician,” he says. “But
when youre elected, youre a public servant.”
As for that role, Salter says he views it as a calling, something one is directed
to by God. He urges those who feel that calling to get involved and begin learning
and preparing.
“Some (Christians) have said politics are dirty – stay out of it,”
Salter notes. “Thats a bad approach to take, I think. But that views
changing – and thats a positive change.”
Looking back on how God led him to the field of politics and the experiences
it has offered, Salter identifies his election as speaker as the best that has
happened.
Looking back on his life of faith and how it has progressed, he calls up the
memories of Christian teachers and adults who helped train and shape him.
“I didnt realize how important that (influence) was at the time,”
he says. “But now, I look back and reflect on it.”
It goes all the way back to his parents, Salter indicates.
“My folks always taught me to do the best you can, …” he says.
“I think thats a pretty good philosophy to have.”
Several minutes later, Salter and his visitors have toured the House chambers,
where the speaker has explained the electronic he uses in leading debates and
recording votes.
As they are leaving, the speaker is approached near the platform by fellow
state Rep. Jim Fanning of Jonesboro.
Of course, this is the place of politics, so such encounters are to be expected.
But this also is a place where Salters influence is being felt as well.
“Joe has had a positive impact on the procedure and decorum of the House,”
Ward notes. “His legacy of faith and morality will long be remembered by
those who write the history of this era of Louisiana politics.”
In this case, Salter and Fanning stand on the steps leading to the speakers
platform for several minutes – but not talking about legislation or pending
issues.
Instead, they are sharing stories about their individual church lives and about
the ministers they both know.
Welcome to Joe Salters House of Representatives.