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Filings for county commissioners opened on Tuesday, July 2, and close at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16. Filings for county commissioner - as well as for the Minnesota Senate, the Minnesota House, and for Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors - can be made at the Stearns County Auditor's Office.

The filing fee for state senator or state representative is $100, for county commissioner is $50, and for SWCD supervisor is $20.

Otte is finishing his first four-year term as a commissioner and currently serves the chair of the county board. "I've tried to do the best job I can for the Fifth District and for Stearns County," said Otte. "I've tried to make county government more responsible, and I'd like to think I've accomplished that."

He serves on over 20 committees, including the chair of the Human Services Committee, chair of the Tri-County Waste Commission, and on the Planning Commission and on the Great River Regional Library Board. He also serves on the Association of Minnesota Counties Ag Task Force.

The Fifth District includes the western half of Stearns County, including the cities of Paynesville, Roscoe, Lake Henry, and St. Martin, and the townships of Paynesville, Lake Henry, Zion, Spring Hill, and St. Martin. In the recent redistricting, Farming Township was added to the Fifth District.

Otte said he continues to deal with health issues in an upbeat, matter-of-fact way. "I've been very open about my health issues and have really appreciated the support and understanding I've received," he said.

Otte and his wife, Edna, live on a family farm near Sauk Centre. They have three children and three grandchildren.