Steve Naeter said a family tradition of service to Cape Girardeau prompted him to file for a seat on the Cape Girardeau Board of Education.

He joins incumbent Pat Ruopp in seeking a three-year term on the board. Candidates have until Feb. 1 to file for two seats.

The other incumbent, Gwen Bennett, has said she will not seek re-election.

"My family has been in Cape Girardeau since 1904," said Naeter, who lives at 10 N. Henderson.

"My two great uncles, great-grandfather, grandfather, and father at some point in time all involved themselves in the community and in state and local politics," Naeter said.

"Now I'm at a point where I would like to give something back to the community. Starting with the school board seems a good way to do it," he said.

His great-uncles, Fred and George Naeter, founded the Southeast Missourian newspaper in 1904. His grandfather, Harry Naeter, also owned the newspaper. His father, Bob Naeter, has been active in politics.

Steve Naeter said, "I just grew up around politics and community service."

He said he is reviewing information about the school district's plans and finances.

"I know the hot issues are whether or not we need a middle school or an elementary school or to remodel the buildings we have," he said.

Beyond that, Naeter said he has no personal agenda of issues that need to be addressed.

Naeter works as an audio and video representative at Stereo One. His wife, Andlle, attends Southeast Missouri State University.

He is a member of the Marine Corps Reserves and a veteran of Saudi Arabia.