Pleasanton council member dies unexpectedly

By Roger Sims

rsims@linncountyjournal.com

PLEASANTON – Pleasanton City Councilwoman Angelina “Angie” Randall died unexpectedly on Monday, Sept. 22. She was 58 years old.

“It was quite a shock,” said Becky Hegwald, Pleasanton city administrator, about Randall’s death.

Angie Randall

Elected to her first term on the council in November 2023, Randall brought experience in law enforcement to the council and oversaw both the police and the fire department. She was committed to the council and took an active role in helping with emergency services.

Growing up in Mound City, she graduated from Kansas State University and served in the U.S. Army. After her stint in the military, she worked in law enforcement for 21 years in several communities and found time to volunteer on committees wherever she was. More recently she volunteered for the Prescott Food Pantry.

Randall had strong opinions on some issues, and at times found herself at odds with several members of the city council. Most recently, she argued for the dissolution of the city’s fire department.

Her concerns about the department stemmed from the city’s failure to invest enough money into updating turnout gear and the lack of volunteer firefighters on staff. She worried that the reduced capability of the department  could result in a lower fire protection rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO).

She said that a drop in the city’s fire rating from its current 5.0 could result in homeowners and businesses paying substantially higher property insurance premiums. Despite her warnings, however, the council voted to give the fire department a year to rebuild and in the meantime enter into an automatic aid agreement with Linn County for additional fire protection.

An ISO inspector visited several fire departments in the county in August, including Pleasanton’s, but any change in rating has not yet been announced.

Randall’s term runs through 2027, and according to Hegwald, Mayor Andrew Young is expected to wait until after November’s election to appoint a replacement.

Her death leaves two seats open on the city council following the resignation of former council member Kimberly Herring in the summer. Herring’s seat along with two others are up for election in November 

Councilwoman Rochelle Schreckhise is seeking reelection, however Councilman Aaron Porter is not. Other candidates include Sandy Haynes, Ron Miller, Alex Wills, Kenny Stark, Riley Hinds, and David Schuermann. Dean Johnson filed for office but has since decided not to seek the office although his name will still appear on the ballot.

Randall’s commitment to her work as council member was apparent from her presence at City Hall outside of council meetings.

“We’re sure going to miss her around here,” Hegwald said.