Christian leading Konis in Spokane County assessor race

The only race to close to call late Tuesday among Spokane County offices is the race for assessor.

Former state Rep. Leonard Christian took 49 percent of the vote over opponent and political newcomer Tom Konis in the race for Spokane County assessor.

When current county Assessor Vicki Horton announced her retirement earlier this year, the open position drew interest from the two Republican candidates.

Christian is a real estate agent with Live Real Estate and currently sits on the county’s Board of Equalization, which handles appeals of assessment valuations. Konis, an accredited commercial and residential appraiser for Spokane County, has been employed at the assessor’s office for more than 25 years.