By Krista Chandler

The Orange Leader

If you asked Terrie Salter what her favorite color is, she’d probably tell you it’s orange for her love of her city.

The Orange City Councilmember, representing District 3, said she believes in order for the city to grow, its residents need to unite and see the city in nothing other than orange, the “new color.”

“I find Orange to be a place where I can call home and feel good about it,” Salter said. “No matter what Orange seems to face, we have the kindest citizens that are always willing to pull together especially during a time of need. “

A lifetime resident of the city, who has spent most of that time within the boundaries of District 3, Salter said she is no stranger to her city – graduating from West Orange-Cove Consolidated Independent School District in 1983 and starting her college career at Lamar University in Orange. Salter went on to become a nurse, working locally at Baptist Hospital and later as West Orange-Stark High School’s health science department director.

After unexpectedly losing her husband while she was seven months pregnant in 2005, she knew it was vital to remain strong, immersing herself in being a mother, the community and staying busy.

Salter joined the city council just over a year ago to make a difference in Orange after realizing she felt a deeper calling and work that had to be done.

Since she was elected, Salter has focused on the beautification of Orange and District 3, including picking up litter from city streets and parks, in order to increase desirability for new businesses and clean neighborhoods.

“I felt the need to help others on a broader scale,” Salter said. “I hope to educate my constituents in a way that will influence them to be more involved in their community. Everyone should feel good about where they live.”

“It is important that I make a difference in Orange, joining the other members of council and other officials throughout Orange in the City and County,” she said. “My goal is to help the other officials elevate Orange like never before, assisting in making Orange a city of opportunity.”

In between all the things she manages to juggle, Salter still finds time to enjoy “treasure hunting” at thrift stores, garage and estate sales in Orange. Her passions include cooking, reading spiritual books, or attending meetings of the several local nonprofit organizations she is a part of.

Salter said she wants people to know she’s approachable, has an open door policy and will always do her best to find answers to questions, encouraging residents to reach out via Facebook messenger, calling the city secretary or calling her directly.

As a “woman of God,” Salter said, “whatever I can do to make a difference in the life of someone else” is what she does.