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Bargstadt is proud of his time on the City Council

Angie Steffen

Randolph Times

RANDOLPH — The community of Randolph has become a better place to live after the 12 years of leadership from Brad Bargstadt.

Bargstadt will complete his 12th year on the Council this year.

Bargstadt feels he has brought wisdom, integrity and a straight-forward approach to the Council. 

All these qualities and more were what prompted Bargstadt to be appointed to the Council and then two years later got him re-elected.

“I have been proud to serve the community,’’ he said. 

He has worked as general manager at Randolph Farm Supply since March 1986. 

He and Sherri Bloomquist were married on Oct. 3, 1987 by Father Rick Arkfeld. They have two daughters, Brianne and Olivia. 

He has been a member of the Randolph Volunteer Fire Department for more than several decades. He has also served on the St. Frances Catholic Church Council and Education committee.

Bargstadt said he is most proud of getting some things done through his service on the Council. 

“Randolph is a great place to live,’’ he said.

According to Bargstadt, the top issue has been the flood plain abatement which will open up housing options for Randolph.

“We need to stay on top of it,’’ Bargstadt said. “It is really difficult to keep things rolling in a small town with a lack of revenue. One thing in business I am always looking for a way to reward and keep good employees. We have been able to add a healthcare plan for city employees.’’

Mayor George Bradley is the third mayor that Bargstadt has worked with. He also served on the Council with Neil Kluver and Dwayne Schutt. 

Bargstadt was appointed when Gordon Boatman left the Council.

“Each brought different talents and ideas to the table,’’ Bargstadt said.

“I think the timing was right to get younger people involved and fresh ideas,’’ Bargstadt said of his decision not to run for office again. “There are a lot of good people who can run for this office.’’

Bargstadt served the south ward, although later the city voted not to have wards so anyone can run for office in any part of the town.

“We’re all on the same team now,’’ he said.

Running for re-election in the past was due to his interest in wanting to serve people through the Council.

Encouragement for others to run for office would involve the opportunity to be free to give ideas and make decisions, according to Bargstadt.

“You just continually have the opportunity to think of ideas that will help the community,’’ Bargstadt said. 

One thing he said should be taken into consideration when serving as a council member is the need to do things the right way.

“You want to get things done, but we’ve learned there are certain steps and a certain way to get there,’’ he said. “I would encourage people to run for city council because of the joy of working with the other council members to accomplish things and the different ideas that can be shared. If people don’t have the opportunity to serve on city council, there are so many other committees to allow them to help the community.”

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