"I feel like I've done a good job and I've worked to be as equitable as I can," he said. "I certainly spent my entire life in the area and know it as well as anybody."

Reynolds-Benns, who lives in the city's Westpointe neighborhood, said she is disturbed that community councils in District 1 are dominated by white LDS Church members. That power balance doesn't jibe with the overall makeup of the district, which is one of the most ethnically diverse regions in the state, according to census data.

"I just think that we need to empower the neighborhood and not the church," she said. "The Mormon Church has this huge organization, but I think I better represent the people."

LDS Church members in the neighborhood have a good organizational structure but are often exclusive, Reynolds-Benns said. Reynolds-Benns is a part-time author whose works include "Mormons in Transition."

Christensen said he tries to work with everyone and doesn't track their religious affiliation.

---

E-mail: bsnyder@desnews.com