David Pierce: 1988
Person of the Year

Mayor David Pierce of Aurora was named the 1988 DuKane Valley Council Person of the Year at the Council's annual dinner at Aurora Country Club on June 8, 1988.

The identity of the Person of the Year was revealed to the 90 people in the audience — and Mayor Pierce —through a unique slide presentation prepared and narrated by Hope Grote, chairman of the Person of the Year selection committee. Ms. Grote listed the criteria used in the selection as demonstrated leadership and service to a municipality and participation in and support of the DuKane Valley Council. She then proceeded to show a chronological sequence of Mr. Pierce's life, highlighting his service to the county and, in more recent years, to the City of Aurora.

A native of Aurora and its mayor since 1985, Mr. Pierce was cited for his success in bringing together the people and resources necessary to allow the locating of a campus for Waubonsee Community College in downtown Aurora, an area which was undergoing renovation. This accomplishment was felt by the selection committee to be significant because of its positive impact on the community. Note was also made of his ability to facilitate the completion of projects which were already on the drawing board when he took office, such as the Aurora Transportation Center, renovation of old industry such as Barber Greene now occupied by Transbulk, the White Eagle Development, Fox Valley commercial units outside the mall, and new industries. In addition, there are commitments for future growth from other businesses.

In his professional career, Mr. Pierce was elected to the Kane County Board at age 25, followed by his election to the office of Kane County Clerk from 1974-85. As a member of the Aurora community, he presently serves on the Aurora University Citizen's Advisory Board. •

Page 20 / Illinois Municipal Review / August 1988