Spokane County auditor race

Vicky Dalton, seeking a fourth four-year term as auditor, is challenged by Realtor Leonard Christian.

While Dalton is a certified public accountant and has 22 years of government experience, Leonard is retired from a 21-year career in the Air Force that ranged from being an aircraft mechanic to security manager of a squadron.

Leonard said his Air Force experience included auditing several shops and programs for compliance with regulations. A Republican precinct committee officer and district leader, Leonard hasn’t previously run for public office.

Before she was elected auditor, Dalton monitored programs and handled special projects for a decade as the county’s internal auditor and previously worked for accounting firms that audited government programs.

The auditor’s job pays $88,350 a year.

Dalton is raising and spending less than $5,000 in her campaign. Christian reported collecting $7,494 and spending $5,324 by Sept 30.

• Leonard Christian , 45

Republican

Bio: President of Christian Relocations Inc. Served 21 years in the Air Force after graduating from Ferris High School, retiring as master sergeant. Married; two adult children. Bachelor of arts in professional aeronautics, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Campaign promises: Work with other county officials to “streamline processes with a customer focus.” Handle election ballots as carefully as federal classified information.

Notable: Managed classified information for a squadron of 386 airmen.

• Vicky Dalton, 49

Incumbent Democrat

Bio: Spokane County auditor since 1999. Grew up in Priest River, Idaho. Two bachelor of business administration degrees: in accounting in 1982 and in computer information management in 1984, both from Idaho state University.

Campaign promises: Maintain quality service and continue to make improvements despite budget shortfalls. Continue to lead office with “integrity, experience, efficiency and accountability.”

Notable: Feels office must be run in “a nonpartisan fashion.”