ST. GEORGE — Residents here who cast a ballot in next month's general election could dramatically change the makeup of the City Council.

Running for re-election are Suzanne Allen, a council member since 1998, and newcomer Gail Bunker, who was appointed to her seat in April 2004 following the death of Sharon Isom.

Ed Baca, a retired police officer who moved to St. George five years ago, and 24-year-old Benjamin Nickle are their challengers.

The difference between the challengers and incumbents is not subtle, as voters found out during a candidate debate televised live on KCSG TV with the Deseret Morning News. "We live in the second fastest growing city in America, and it's time for a fresh, dynamic, youthful perspective," said Nickle, whose political experience includes winning a seat on the Bloomington community council. "This council needs to be more proactive instead of reactive. I think I can offer a perspective we haven't had on the council before."

Baca went even further in his criticism of City Council members.

"They're a little slow on the uptake. They're just now passing an ordinance to protect the hillsides," Baca said. "There is a need for various points of view on the council and right now we don't have that."

Both Allen and Bunker defended their work on the City Council and denied voting in unison with their fellow council members.

"I am dedicated and committed to everything I'm working on," said Allen, who is seeking her third term in office. "Growth is definitely a challenge. Attainable housing is a countywide problem. Traffic is a problem and will continue to be a problem, but there are ways to solve that problem."

Bunker said she decided early on that she would be a hands-on member of the council.

"I decided I would really look at the issues. I would visit the site coming before the council, listen intently to the information and then make my decision based on what I think is best for the city," she said.

Baca's platform includes adding more police, fire and medical emergency staff, measuring the performance of city departments — beginning with the office of city manager — and requiring city officials to certify any conflicts of interest.

Nickle said illegal immigration is a problem the City Council should stop ignoring.

"I've been talking about this issue since day one," said Nickle, who is supported by the Dixie Republican Forum and the Citizens Council on Illegal Immigration. "St. George can't afford to become a haven for illegal immigrants."

But Allen said the issue is being talked about even if Nickle hasn't been in on the discussions.

"We need to tell the feds that we need more (immigration) officers down here," she said. "There are only two officers covering seven counties."

Bunker said she is more worried about vigilantism and profiling than she is about the illegal immigrants who may be living and working in the St. George area.

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E-mail: nperkins@desnews.com