Daniel M. Pierce facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Daniel Pierce
|
|
|---|---|
| Mayor of Highland Park, Illinois | |
| In office 1999–2003 |
|
| Preceded by | Raymond Geraci |
| Succeeded by | Michael Belsky |
| In office 1987 – April 24, 1995 |
|
| Preceded by | ??? |
| Succeeded by | Raymond Geraci |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 58th district | |
| In office 1983–1985 |
|
| Preceded by | ??? |
| Succeeded by | Grace Mary Stern |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 32nd district | |
| In office 1967–1983 |
|
| Preceded by | ??? |
| Succeeded by | ??? |
| Member of the Illinois House of Representatives At-large | |
| In office 1965–1967 |
|
| Preceded by | At-large district created |
| Succeeded by | At large district dissolved |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Daniel Marshall Pierce
March 31, 1928 Chicago, Illinois |
| Died | February 13, 2020 (aged 91) Highland Park, Illinois |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Rhoda |
| Residence | Highland Park, Illinois |
| Alma mater | Harvard College (B.A.) Harvard Law School (J.D.) |
| Profession | Attorney |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Air Force |
| Unit | Judge Advocate General's Corps |
Daniel Marshall Pierce (born March 31, 1928 – died February 13, 2020) was an American lawyer and politician from Illinois. He was a member of the Democratic Party. He served in the Illinois House of Representatives, as the Mayor of Highland Park, Illinois, and as a leader for the North Shore Water Reclamation District.
Contents
Daniel Pierce: A Life in Public Service
Growing Up and Early Career
Daniel Pierce was born in Chicago, Illinois, on March 31, 1928. His family later moved to the North Shore area, where he finished high school at New Trier High School. He went on to earn degrees from Harvard College and Harvard Law School.
After college, Daniel Pierce served in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General's Corps during the Korean War. This group provides legal services for the Air Force. While in the Air Force, he also attended the United States Air Force Command & Staff School. After his military service, he became a lawyer at a firm called Altheimer, Gray, Naiburg, Strasburger & Lawton. He stayed there for his entire legal career.
Serving in the Illinois House
Daniel Pierce began his political career in the Illinois House of Representatives. In 1965, there was a special election where all 177 members of the Illinois House were elected at once. This happened because of a disagreement about how to divide the state into voting areas.
After this special election, Daniel Pierce's home in Highland Park, Illinois became part of the 32nd district. This district included parts of McHenry County and Lake County. He was reelected several times to represent this area.
During his time in the House, he was part of a group of independent, liberal Democrats. He also served as a leader on several important committees. These included the House Revenue Committee, which deals with money, and the Energy and Environment Committee, which focuses on energy and nature. He also worked on the House Public Utilities Committee and was a House Minority Whip for two terms. He supported the Equal Rights Amendment, which aimed to ensure equal rights for all citizens regardless of sex. In 1983, after serving for many years, Daniel Pierce decided to retire from the Illinois House.
Leading Highland Park as Mayor
In 1987, Daniel Pierce was elected Mayor of Highland Park, Illinois. He was reelected in 1991, serving two terms. In 1995, he lost his bid for a third term to Raymond Geraci. However, Daniel Pierce ran again in 1999 and won, serving one more term as mayor until 2003.
Other Ways He Served
Beyond his roles in the state legislature and as mayor, Daniel Pierce continued to serve his community. He became the President of the North Shore Water Reclamation District. This organization is important because it helps manage and clean water for the North Shore area. He held this position for more than ten years.
He was also a member of the Central Committee for the Democratic Party of Illinois. This committee is a key group within the Democratic Party that helps make important decisions and guide the party's work in the state. He served on this committee at different times, starting in the 1960s.
His Later Years
Daniel Pierce passed away on February 13, 2020, at the age of 91.
