Anderson, Jerald C. (1934-2014)

Biographical Information: Jerald C. Anderson was born in Sunrise, Minnesota, on April 2, 1934. His family relocated to North Branch in 1940. Anderson initially sought a career as a dentist, graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1959. In 1961, he opened his own dental practice in North Branch. Anderson later decided to become involved in Minnesota politics and was first elected into the Minnesota Senate as a member of the DFL in 1970. He won subsequent elections in 1972 and 1976. Anderson passed away on January 7, 2014.

Transcript Summary: In an interview conducted on October 17, 1977, Jerald Anderson discussed his early life and political career within Minnesota. Anderson said he originally studied to be a dentist, but later decided to become involved in state politics at the suggestion of his wife and several members in the North Branch community. Anderson described his personal political outlook as a conservative Democrat, one which he asserted was largely shared by his (predominantly Swedish Protestant) constituency in North Branch. Anderson also noted that much of his legislative interests concerned strengthening environmental protections, expanding green spaces throughout Minnesota, and funding public education. Lastly, Anderson acknowledged his position and its responsibilities sometimes limited the time that he could spend with his family. Nevertheless, he enjoyed working as a state senator, as it enabled him to regularly meet and interact with various people throughout Minnesota.

Interview conducted by John LeDoux.

Only summary of interview is available. [16743]