On November 2, 2005 Doris Ann Peick
was honored for her long-time activism. She was presented
her award at a luncheon in the Levitt Center at the University of
Iowa. Upon accepting her award she spoke of her years as an
advocate for women's rights and for all voters. She began her
remarks at a luncheon honoring
her political work by putting in a plug for her union sister, Sandy
Bell, a Cedar Rapids city council candidate, who was in the audience.
Peick was one of three women honored for their activism on Wednesday by the Louise
Noun-Mary Louise Smith Iowa Women’s Archives, the University of Iowa
Center for Human Rights and the Iowa Secretary of State’s Office, which
say the women have changed the shape of electoral politics in Iowa. ‘‘For
over 50 years I have worked diligently for the party of my choice,’’
she said, describing herself as the ‘‘longest, strongest, meanest
Democrat’’ in the Linn County Democratic Party. She has been a union steward, a one-time president of the Linn County Women’s Democratic Club.
‘‘At 72, I’m holding firm. The mind and mouth work well, but the body is going to hell,’’ she quipped.
Peick began her career at Collins Radio in the 1950s where she became an active member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW).
She has managed
campaigns for city, county and state office, all from her
kitchen table. Many were successful. And although some did not
win she does not figure it is due to her -- ‘‘Some didn’t (win) because they didn’t listen to me,’’
Peick served as a state legislator in the Iowa house from 1983 to 1986.
Scott County Republicans activist Charlotte Mohr of
Eldridge and Sister Irene Munoz of Ottumwa for her work with migrant
workers in Muscatine County were also honored.
