The filing deadline for county races has come and gone, and one Faribault County commissioner will be challenged in their re-election bid.

Barb Steier, incumbent 1st District commissioner, will face businessman John Roper in the Nov. 4 general election.

Roper filed for the four-term seat at 3 p.m. Tuesday, the last day to file.

But, Roper says he’d been thinking about entering the race the last two weeks.

“I’ve been a resident of Faribault County for 28 years and figured it was time to give back to the county and people,” he says.

This is the first time the Blue Earth Township resident has sought a political office.

Roper says being a farmer for 13 years, working at Telex 32 years and being involved in business will help him serve if elected.

“Instead of complaining how things are done, do something about it,” he says. “Maybe this is the time for me to put up or shut up.”

The 60-year-old Roper says to be an effective commissioner there has to be good communication with the public. Roper describes himself as one “who likes to listen more, than talk.”

Currently, the Blue Earth Township resident is a financial adviser for Roper Financial Resources.

District 1 consists of Ward 3 in Blue Earth, Elmore, Frost and the townships of Blue Earth, Emerald, Elmore and Rome.

Two other commissioners will not be facing any opposition in their re-election bids.

Bill Groskreutz of District 3 and Tom Warmka of District 5 will be running unopposed for another four-year term.

In the Soil & Water District supervisor elections, no incumbents are seeking re-election.

Three will vie for the District 4 position; Neal Mensing, Rob Nelson and Harold A. Grabouski. Choosing not to seek another four-year term was Jim Robertson.

In District 1, Milton Steele will be unopposed for a four-year position. Incumbent Don Ziegler file.

District Judge Douglas Richards filed for re-election to Seat 13 in the Fifth Judicial District. He will not have an opponent.

In other elections news, the Blue Earth Area School Board passed a resolution Monday night declaring notice of filing dates for three seats.

Filing will open Aug. 26 at the District Office, 315 E. Sixth St. in Blue Earth, and close at 5 p.m. on Sept. 9 There is a $2 filing fee.

Three seats will be up for election. Chairman Frankie Bly, boardmembers Dawn Fellows and Elizabeth Wohlenhaus-Johanson will have to decide whether they will run for another four-year term. All seats are elected at-large.