The candidates agreed that neighborhood conflicts between immigrant Hispanics and longtime residents are a problem in District 1. Many longtime residents say immigrants don't keep up their yards and have too many people living in small homes.

Jones said the problem could be solved by having more city-sponsored block parties and other events to bring neighbors together. Christensen said the city can do a better job of working with state agencies and the school district to develop plans that will help new immigrants make a positive transition into American society. Benns said she would work with local churches to help educate new immigrants about things like housing codes and other issues.

Jessop said he has a background in nine languages and is uniquely qualified to work with the district's diverse community. He wants to explore the idea of an ombudsman that would work with the district's minority communities.

The development of the city's northwest quadrant, west of the airport, is also a hot topic in District 1. Some say as many as 75,000 residents could live there one day.

Jessop and Christensen both favor development of the northwest quadrant as a master-planned community that would pay for itself through development fees and would help the city attract new families.

Benns and Jones were less enthusiastic about developing the area right away. Jones said there are more pressing concerns for the district like adding a satellite police station and strengthening community atmosphere. Benns agreed there are more pressing issues like redeveloping the North Temple corridor using greater housing densities. She is pushing for a new Neighborhood Housing Services development plan along North Temple.

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E-mail: bsnyder@desnews.com