As I was celebrating Independence Day, I couldn't help but think about the most fundamental tenet of our democracy -- a government truly of, for, and by the people. Even as the economic debacle we're experiencing can make this ideal seem all too distant, it's comforting to me that the principle underlies a new way to elect candidates in Chapel Hill's 2009 municipal elections.

July 6 started the filing period to run for Chapel Hill Town Council and mayor. This year, for the first time ever, candidates have the option to participate in an innovative program called Voter-Owned Elections. What does this mean? It means that candidates can spend less time chasing campaign dollars from big donors and special interests and more time listening to voters and discussing solutions to the town's problems. It also means that anyone interested in running for office but worried about the money issue now has a chance for a viable campaign without going into debt, spending countless hours dialing for dollars or pitching to special interests.

Chapel Hill's newly created Voter-Owned Elections program allows candidates to qualify for a grant to cover campaign expenses. Candidates who choose to participate must first work to collect a set number of small donations ($5-$20) from a large number of Chapel Hill voters. Once they reach the specified threshold, they receive a grant and stop their fundraising, giving them more time to interact with, and be responsive to, "we the people."

What a refreshing idea! Although it may surprise you, city council and mayoral candidates in some North Carolina cities have to spend over $100,000 to win local positions that often pay less than $10,000 per year. If all politics are local, they certainly aren't all accessible. Chapel Hill deserves kudos for implementing an alternative, even before local costs get out of control. In fact, Chapel Hill is the first city in the state to pilot an authorized public financing option for municipal elections, making the town a leader in this model.

So, to all you candidates and potential candidates out there: as you prepare to file your paperwork between now and July 17, I urge you to participate in the Voter-Owned Elections program. It will show us voters that you're serious about raising support from a diverse set of people and that you believe issues and ideas -- not money should determine who runs for office successfully. In return, you get to spend less time fundraising and more time discussing solutions to Chapel Hill's problems, which is why you're running in the first place, right?

To my other Chapel Hillians: encourage your favorite candidates to use the Voter-Owned Elections program and take part in this year's election before Election Day itself by supporting your candidate with a $5 or $10 donation toward qualifying for the public grant. You can make a difference.

As the same special interests that got us into this economic mess are clamoring for even more influence, let's show them with true revolutionary spirit that at least in Chapel Hill our government is truly of the people, for the people and by the people.

Cristina Chenlo lives in Chapel Hill.