Mark Sauter for Idaho House District 1 Seat A

Mark Sauter

State Representative Legislative District 1 Seat A

Biography and Background

I served 30 years in the fire service and three more years in City Administration afterward. My last 8 years in the fire service were as a Fire Chief. I earned a fire administration degree and a master’s degree in public administration (while working and raising a family). My conservative values are a sound foundation for my leadership and administrative responsibilities.
I retired in 2011 and moved to Sandpoint in 2012. In 2013 I served as a Marine Deputy with our Sheriffs Dept. I have volunteered and worked with Selkirk Fire and Rescue since 2014. I have served as President of the Bonner County Fire Chiefs Association since 2019.
In 2012 I started volunteering with the Sandpoint High School. I am still actively assisting them.
I have served and led many community committees, professional associations, and boards. My goal has always been the same, to leave things better than I found them.
I have been a family forester in Bonner County since 1993, attending U of Idaho extension courses to increase my knowledge and improve my forestry decision making. I have overseen a logging operation on my property and personally replanted the entire area. I am a hands-on worker, manager and leader.
I have two adult children. My son is a Navy pilot. My daughter is a Deputy Prosecutor.
For the last 10 years I have been applying my skills to many volunteer opportunities, improving my carpentry/cabinet making skills and enjoying outdoor activities like skiing and hiking.

Top 3 Issues

Issue 1

First priority is to responsibly represent District #1. We have many different opinions regarding the state of our District. We are experiencing considerable population growth. Our public services and infrastructure systems are strained. We need to focus on what we agree on (community needs, foundations for residents and businesses, public safety) and work on those issues. The US and State Constitutions serve as our guiding documents. We need to stay within them and determine the best decisions for our District. By regularly communicating (and listening) to the citizens, business owners and service providers of the District, I will be best positioned to represent their needs and priorities.

Issue 2

Job Growth…We need to hold our regulations down and give employers the freedom to create jobs. We need to support our Idaho businesses with the infrastructure they need to continue to flourish. By standing up for water resources and supporting the agriculture-timber-manufacturing-tech businesses we will keep them competitive and productive. We also need to ensure our education system is providing the necessary training for students to advance into good jobs and careers.

Issue 3

Community Safety….We need to support our Law Enforcement, Fire Service and EMS community with the tools they need to provide their emergency services. We also need to protect our 2nd amendment rights. I will support efforts to secure our southern border. We need to do what we can to reduce the negative impacts of this situation.

Integrity in Affiliation

Submission: Yes

“I have read the Idaho Constitution and the Idaho Republican Party Platform. Except for the provisions specifically noted below, I support the Idaho Republican Party Platform and accept it as the standard by which my performance as a candidate and as an officeholder should be evaluated. I certify that I am not a candidate, officer, delegate or position holder in any party other than the Republican Party.”

Art 1..Section 3-C …..I don’t understand the merits in this
Art 1..Section 4-C….There are limited situations where governments can issue prudent stimulus
Art 6..Sec. 7…We should strive for the best use of all lands in Idaho
Art XIV..Section 3-E…We should develop laws that are constitutional
Art XVIII…I believe the current system of judge selection is under review