BONNERS FERRY — Republican candidates for Idaho’s District 1 legislative seats visited Boundary County on Thursday, April 30, for a forum that included discussion on housing affordability, property taxes and education funding. 

In opening statements, incumbent Mark Sauter, who is running for reelection to the Idaho House of Representatives House 1A seat, pointed to his legislative experience, including work on the U.S. 95 corridor, while his opponent Jane Sauter (no relation) emphasized party unity. 

“If we are going to have a club or a group called Republicans, then I feel it's important that we actually follow the rules of the party,” she said. 

District 1 Senator Jim Woodward highlighted his upbringing in Boundary County and his record supporting tax rebates and homeowners’ exemptions. His opponent Scott Herndon said he ran for office after seeing changes in the state over the past 20 years. 

Representative Cornel Rasor said he wants to restore the meaning of public service. 

“I try to represent the forgotten man and the forgotten woman,” Rasor said. 

Chuck Lowman, who is running against Rasor for seat 1B, cited his experience as an Army chaplain and said government should remain as local as possible. 

The first question was related to how to deliver meaningful property relief. 

Mark Sauter spoke about wanting to make a $200,000 tax exemption for homeowners.

Herndon and Jane Sauter supported eliminating property taxes entirely, with Herndon arguing homeowners can be taxed out of their homes and Sauter concerned about those over 65. 

Woodward said full repeal is unrealistic but backed expanding exemptions. 

On housing affordability, Woodward attributed rising costs to population growth and increased demand, saying Idahoans require better education so that they can compete in the economy.  

Herndon said reducing regulations is necessary but pointed to inflation as a key factor. Rasor said government should step back from housing. 

Lowman said a primary issue in North Idaho is a lack of workforce housing. 

“If you don’t have housing for workers, then you can’t have businesses that employ those workers,” Lowman said. 

Jane Sauter linked housing pressures in part to illegal immigration, a claim disputed by others on the stage. 

Mark Sauter said that some proposals tied to immigration could have unintended consequences, including limiting access to basic health services such as the measles vaccine.  

Candidates also split on school choice and education funding. 

Woodward opposed House Bill 93, which gave a $5,000 tax credit for education expenses for children who are not in public schools, citing a lack of accountability. 

Mark Sauter said he also opposed the measure, arguing funds would be better distributed broadly to taxpayers. 

Herndon supported expanding school choice, saying he wanted Idaho to become the first state in the nation with true school choice, while Jane Sauter said the program helps families manage rising costs and does not reduce public school funding. 

On school maintenance and operations levies, candidates were asked how to reduce the burden on local taxpayers as districts cover costs for underfunded mandates such as special education. Responses focused on increasing state support, revising funding formulas and reducing inefficiencies. 

In regard to rural healthcare facilities, Jane Sauter said smaller communities may need to partner with larger providers, such as the Mayo Clinic. 

Mark Sauter said improving access may depend on transportation if specialized care is centralized. 

“We also have to look at bringing a clinic in to provide specialty care,” he said.

Candidates discussed illegal immigration, with Herndon supporting stricter policies.  

Woodward said it does not significantly impact Boundary County, a point Herndon also acknowledged.  

Jane Sauter said immigration contributes to strain on public services, while Lowman said it is not a primary local issue.  

Rasor spoke about his immigration experience, including a week spent at the border on his own dime. 

Mark Sauter said he was a supporter of immigration work “before it was cool.”. 

On public lands, Rasor pointed to coordination with federal agencies to limit land designations, while Lowman criticized legal processes that allow challenges to federal projects.  

The final question was on the top priorities of the candidates. 

Woodward said his focus remains on public safety, education and transportation. 

Herndon said constitutional obligations, particularly education, should take priority, along with maintaining infrastructure. 

Rasor focused on reducing spending growth and restructuring the budgeting process to allow for a more detailed review of state expenditures. 

Jane Sauter emphasized controlling government growth, while supporting funding for education and transportation. 

Mark Sauter pointed to increasing revenue collection, including unpaid traffic fines, and investing in local infrastructure projects to fund the local economy. 

Lowman said the state should prioritize funding for schools, roads and public safety, including support for the Idaho National Guard. 

In closing statements, Mark Sauter pointed to his legislative record, saying he has successfully passed multiple bills and that nobody works harder. 

Jane Sauter highlighted her business background and commitment to the Republican platform, while stating she would retire in a few years if someone capable comes along. 

Woodward drew a distinction between himself and Herndon, citing differences in approach to legislation and local issues, including a bill that would have banned the Canadian flag in Bonners Ferry. 

“He came to Bonners Ferry, went to the city council meeting, went on a rant and told the city of Bonners Ferry they’re breaking the law,” Woodward said. 

Herndon said he is focused and effective on achieving long-term goals, including eliminating property taxes and expanding gun rights. He pushed back on Woodward’s claim. 

“Jim Woodward got one thing wrong,” Herndon said. “I actually told the Bonners Ferry City Council that you should follow the law.” 

Rasor said he is willing to take on difficult issues and work long hours to represent constituents. 

Lowman emphasized his record of service, including military experience, and said leadership should be rooted in community needs. 

    Idaho State Senator Jim Woodward speaks during the legislative forum.
  

    Idaho State Senate candidate Scott Herndon gives his opening statement during the legislative forum held at Bonners Ferry High School.