About Mark
Mark is a lifelong public servant who always seeks to leave things better than he found them.
Why I’m Running
I am running for the Representative Seat 1A for Bonner and Boundary Counties because I have the leadership skills, experience and the traditional, conservative values to serve our citizens and communities. We need responsible leaders representing the best interests of our citizens.
My experience in the Idaho legislature
My years of experience with the North Idaho fire and EMS districts served to expand my understanding of rural emergency operations and how government works in our District and state.
I am comfortable working with all units of government and especially with public safety emergency responders. I have earned their confidence. My endorsements confirm this.
Along the way I have also built up a great number of friendships with other elected officials, local leaders and built-up state agency connections so my efforts are focused, efficient and effective. I have been able to utilize my networks and efforts to get to the finish line with many legislative bills being passed and signed by the Governor. I get stuff done (GSD).
My votes and bill writing considerations
Before I vote on a bill, I first consider the impact of it on our District. When it involves agencies in our District, I do my best to reach out to those agencies and learn how the bill may affect them. Then, I consider the forecasted impacts on the state. I represent our District!
Before I begin drafting a bill, I consider what problem I am trying to address and try to be sure I have accurately defined it. Defining the problem typically gets me half-way to a partial or full solution for an issue.
I have a history of writing bills that address District #1 (and Idaho) identified problems and getting them signed by the Governor.
Mark Sauter recognized as a 2025 Ag All Star
Education
B.A. Fire Administration
California State University Los Angeles
M.A. Public Administration
University of Southern California
Executive Fire Officer
National Fire Academy
Professional
Fire Service
30 years
Fire Chief
8 years
Public Administration
2 years
Post-Professional
Idaho Family Forester
1992-present
Volunteer, Selkirk Fire and Rescue
2014-present
President, Bonner County Fire Chiefs Assn.
2019-present
Biography
Mark grew up in Southern California. From a young age he loved the outdoors, specifically mountains, lakes and rivers. In 1969 he camped at Priest Lake and never forgot it. He returned as an adult and found he loved North Idaho even more. The beauty was the same, but he recognized the hard-working spirit of the citizens added more.
He served 30 years in the fire service and two more years in City Administration. His last 8 years in the fire service was as a Fire Chief. Mark earned a fire administration degree and a master’s degree in public administration while working and raising a family. His conservative values are a sound foundation for his leadership and administrative responsibilities.
He retired in 2011 and moved to Sandpoint in 2012. For the last 10 years he has been applying his skills to many volunteer opportunities, improving his carpentry/cabinet making skills and enjoying outdoor activities like skiing and hiking.
Mark has served and led many community committees, professional associations, and boards. His goal has always been the same, to leave things better than he found them.
He has been a family forester in Bonner County since 1992, attending U of Idaho extension courses to increase his knowledge and improve his forestry decision making. He has overseen a logging operation in his woods and personally replanted the entire area. He is a hands-on worker, manager and leader.
Mark has volunteered and worked with Selkirk Fire and Rescue since 2014. He has served as President of the Bonner County Fire Chiefs Association since 2019.
He is married with three adult children in a blended family. One son is a Navy pilot. His daughter is a Deputy Prosecutor.