Indifference is how Elizabeth Villafranca describes her views on politics before she joined United Farmers Branch to counter the recently passed ordinance that bans illegal immigrants from renting apartments in the city.

"I was the perfect poster child for apathy," she said. "Now I've had firsthand experience in a civics lesson."

For Guillermo Ramos, the issue stirred up so many emotions that he's considering running for City Council next year.

And for Christopher McGuire, the fact that he's not Hispanic didn't deter him from getting involved in the diverse group. One reason, he says, is to help find Hispanics to serve on city boards.

"We're about 10 years late in vigorously seeking out Hispanic leaders to engage in city boards, commissions and elected office, and my concern is that within six to 10 years, the majority of the population of Farmers Branch will be Hispanic," Mr. McGuire said.

Farmers Branch entered the illegal immigration debate when the City Council passed the rental ordinance, along with a resolution making English the city's official language and a vote to participate in a federal program that trains police officers to act as immigration officers.

In the beginning, several Dallas-area community leaders swept in to voice their opposition to the measures. Since then, however, more local residents and business owners have gotten involved.

And while the measures have generated plenty of opposition, there has also been a strong contingent supporting them.

On Thursday, "The Mike Gallagher Show," on KSKY-AM (660), was broadcast live from Farmers Branch at the Blue Star Deli. The event helped raise money for the city's legal defense of the rental ordinance. The station's Web site reported raising $7,000.

T-shirts that say "Please Speak English" have also been sold to raise funds.

Mr. McGuire, like others in the newly formed United Farmers Branch, said the issues have encouraged people to become more active in city politics. That, he believes, could help change the face of the council and other boards.

Currently, no Hispanics sit on the City Council, and only a few Hispanics serve on advisory boards. Until recently, one of the city's top-ranking Hispanics was Richard Escalante. He was city manager for 15 years before leaving in 2003 to become vice chancellor for administrative services at the University of North Texas.

Mayor Bob Phelps said he would like to see more Hispanics, women and other minorities take part in city affairs. He said the time commitment and the fact that such positions don't pay deter a lot of people.

"I have tried for years to talk to different [people] to get involved," he said. "We have some on the boards now, but it's mostly male-dominated."

Mr. Ramos, who filed a lawsuit against the city in November, said he has lived in Farmers Branch for a little more than a year but has had his real estate business there for eight years. He said he's not sure which council seat he will run for.

He filed a lawsuit, he said, because council members violated the state open meetings laws by discussing the rental ordinance behind closed doors and then voting on it before the public had a chance to see the final wording.

That's why he believes it's important to have more Hispanics in leadership roles, he said.

"If there was a little bit more of an accurate representation [on the council] of the demographic makeup of the city, the ordinances that passed wouldn't have passed," Mr. Ramos said.

Tony Salerno, a 14-year resident of Farmers Branch, said anyone who can bring different ideas to the table should get involved – not just Hispanics.

"I think that's definitely the long-term goal – to help get a group that promotes inclusiveness," he said. "I think the City Council is mostly run by a portion that represents a small portion of the city."

As one of the few Hispanics on a city board, Ruben Rendon said he's been asked about running for City Council. It's not something he's planning to do at this time, he said, but he hasn't ruled it out.

Mr. Rendon, who has lived in the city since 1992, said he was not in favor of the rental ordinance.

He and other planning and zoning commissioners sent e-mails stating their opposition.

He said the issue has divided the city.

"I think the City Council is going about it the wrong way," he said.

Ms. Villafranca, who doesn't live in Farmers Branch but owns a restaurant there, said people have criticized her for getting involved. She points out that even though she's not a resident, she still pays taxes as a business owner.

She said the last time she got so politically involved was as student body president in high school.

Resident Paul Heller said he hopes the issue will bring more people together rather than divide them.

"It's a great opportunity to build community within the city ... and to improve the quality of life."

E-mail schavez@dallasnews.com