Legislator and community volunteer; resident of West Des Moines, Iowa. Dorothy Carpenter taught elementary school in Texas and in Iowa from 1955 to 1958. She was active in the Episcopal Church, the League of Women Voters of Metro Des Moines, and Planned Parenthood of Iowa. From 1977 to 1980 she served on the Board of Directors of Planned Parenthood of America. Carpenter, a Republican, was elected to the Iowa General Assembly in 1980. During her 14 years in the House of Representatives, Carpenter served on several committees, including Ways and Means, Education, State Government, and House Administration and Rule. She was the Assistant Minority Leader from 1980 to 1988. Carpenter retired from the General Assembly in 1994.
From the description of Papers of Dorothy Carpenter, 1979-1995. (University of Iowa Libraries). WorldCat record id: 233121191
