David C. Shapiro Papers (Amboy)

David C. Shapiro was born in Mendota, Illinois on February 16, 1925. He studied at Stanford University and the University of Illinois, receiving his degree in dentistry from the latter institution in 1952. Sometime later, Shapiro set up practice in Amboy, Illinois where he lived with his wife, Norma, and their seven children. Shapiro’s political career began as an alderman on the Amboy City Council (1961-1969). During that time he was also a member of the school board, president of the Whiteside-Lee Dental Society and president of the Illinois Association of Boards of Health. In 1968, Shapiro ran for the office of State Representative from the 35th Legislative District and won. He served two terms (1969-1972) as a representative before being elected State Senator from the 37th Legislative District in 1972. Shapiro retained this senate seat for the remainder of his political career (1973-1981). During his career, which spanned the 76th to the 82nd General Assemblies, Shapiro served on several committees. His duties included vice-chairmanship of both the House and Senate Education Committees. He chaired the Illinois Public Employees Pension Laws Commission which made him an ex-officio member of the State Board of Investment. In addition, Shapiro served on the School Problems Commission and the Revenue Committee. He, also, worked on several Republican Party committees. These included the Republican State Senate Dinner Organizing Committee, the Republican State Senate Campaign Committee and serving as Senate Minority Leader from 1977 to 1981. As a legislator, Shapiro’s interests and efforts were concentrated on higher education issues and tax reforms. He actively supported legislation outlining state aid to schools, tax relief laws, motor fuel tax funding, highway improvements and currency exchange regulation. Shapiro co-sponsored the campaign disclosure law and played an instrumental part in transferring the Lewis College of Law to Northern Illinois University. Shapiro’ s work over the years earned him several awards and honors. He was named Outstanding Freshman Representative of the 76th General Assembly and Outstanding Freshman Senator of the 78th General Assembly. Among others, Shapiro was honored by the Illinois State Dental Society, the Illinois Association of School Boards and Northern Illinois University. He was, also, listed in Who’s Who in the Midwest and Who’s Who in American Politics. Shapiro’s political career ended in 1981 when he died of cancer at his vacation home in Montana.

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