Nation - Idaho In debt, prosecutor may benefit from contract

NAMPA, Idaho (AP) -- An Idaho prosecutor saddled with thousands of dollars in personal debt may reap tens of thousands above his taxpayer-funded salary with a contract he signed for his office to handle misdemeanor cases for the city of Nampa. Canyon County Prosecutor John Bujak, who earns $101,608 in his current post, faces vehicle and credit card debts that he's trying to repay. He faces multiple civil claims over unpaid bills. Bujak has signed a $598,000 contract with the city of Nampa to provide prosecution services. He told Canyon County commissioners Monday the contract will save the county $276,000 this year by covering supplies, equipment and training. Bujak also hopes to personally earn up to $50,000 from the pact. County Commissioner Kathy Alder says Bujak should be allowed to keep cash left over after covering his office's expenses. But Nampa resident Bob Henry has filed a lawsuit in 3rd District Court to force Bujak to provide all expense records for the Nampa prosecution contract. Erik Stidham, a lawyer representing Henry, filed a public records request seeking details of the contract because it uses a private bank account, not a public account with the county. Bujak says he's handled the contract appropriately, citing a 1987 Idaho Supreme Court decision that went against Kootenai County commissioners when they challenged their prosecutor's private deal to handle cases for the city of Coeur d'Alene. Published: Thu, Jun 17, 2010

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