Database shines line on candidates' donations

I recently did some research into local candidates' donations using the Idaho Sunshine Database. After this research, I have a few questions.

What is Boundary Educational Services Int.? This entity, which seems to be registered in Wyoming, has contributed about $1,000 to Travis Stolley's campaign in separate payments. Why is this entity interested in the sheriff's election?

Boundary Educational Services Int. appears to be registered at 30 N Gould St, an address with a questionable history.

According to a 2021 story (which was updated in 2023) titled "Another scam recorded from business related to 30 N. Gould St. registered agent" from thesheridanpress.com, a registered agent company located at this address "represents an estimated 53,267 businesses." That company, according to the article, appears to be one of 21 registered agents at that address.

Also, why does Mark Sauter have so many donations from companies? For the most part, the vast majority of contributions to local candidates' campaigns are from individuals. However, Mark Sauter has received about $14,000 from companies and about $7,000 from people. Out of 47 total listed contributions, almost half (22) are from companies.

The Idaho Sunshine Database can be accessed at sunshine.voteidaho.gov. On the home page, scroll down and enter a candidate's name to view information. Business information and documents can often be found on state Secretary of State websites.

This data was current as of Sunday, April 14.

BUD FRANKLINSON

Bonners Ferry