Minnesota Digital Library

Interview with Robert Sheldon, Minnesota Powerline Oral History Project

Interview with Robert Sheldon, Minnesota Powerline Oral History Project
Biographical Information: Sheldon was born and raised in Minneapolis. In 1970, he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in journalism. After graduating, he was the editor of two weekly newspapers and was with Associated Press before becoming state editor of the Sioux Falls Argus Leader in 1971. He went on to be associate editor of the Minnesota Motorist Magazine and became AAA's public relations manager. He was hired as Cooperative Power Association's public relations manager in 1977. Subjects discussed: Background. Status of project upon being hired as public relations manager of CPA. Dealing with Le Seur County suit and southern line. Routing and siting powerline-impact and usefulness of state laws; AC vs. DC line; towers; expense and cost to consumer. Development of project-Fallkirk Mining Company; Minnesota vs. North Dakota as plant site. Management study of CPA. Vandalism. Health issues. Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. As public relations manager-initial reaction to situation; steps taken to deal with situation; relationship to management; working with opposition. Science court. Possibility of merging CPA and UPA. CPA's image. Media's handling of events. How problems could have been avoided. Long-term impact on cooperative structure. Personal impact.
1979-08-07
English
25.35
umn98874
Grant provided to the Contributing Institution from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund through the vote of Minnesotans on Nov.;