Chapel Hill may finance local political campaigns

CHAPEL HILL (AP) — Officials in Chapel Hill are considering whether to adopt a public financing program for local elections.

Supporters say the program would help regular people compete against wealthier opponents. The ordinance would also cap how much money candidates can spend.

If approved, Chapel Hill would be the only town in the state to enact such a program.

Opponents, including Republican state Senator Andrew Brock, say tax dollars shouldn’t be used to fund someone’s political campaign.

Brock was among nine senators who opposed legislation that allows Chapel Hill’s town council to enact a public financing ordinance. The General Assembly approved the measure earlier this
year.

A committee drafting the ordinance intends to finish in time for the 2009 election.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)