That didn't stop two reformers from promoting a so-called Fair Elections Ordinance on Tuesday to the County Council.

Under the plan, candidates who meet a series of spending limits, would receive matching funds from the county's taxpayer-fueled coffers. The idea, proponents say, is to level the candidate playing field, encourage grass-roots campaigning and stamp out special interests.

But Council Chairman Michael Jensen compared adopting the election makeover to climbing Mount Everest.

"The public doesn't want their money spent on campaigns," he says. "It just comes back to, what is the core mission of government?"

Mayor Peter Corroon sees it another way. After riding the turbulent 2004 election waters into office, he says the move could ensure good governance and help restore the public's shaken trust in county leadership.

"It makes a lot of sense," Corroon says.

Councilman Jim Bradley agrees, saying the public would be better served knowing the people in office have no bias.

However, Councilman Joe Hatch doubts there is much appetite for the measure - "why hasn't it spread anywhere else?" he asks - and worries the county could not afford the plan, estimated near $1 million per election year.

Even so, after hearing the pitch, he suggested tossing the idea to voters in the form of a ballot initiative.

"It's their money," Hatch says.

The voluntary program is the brainchild of Luke Peterson, executive director of Utah Students for Clean Elections, who also serves on the board for Common Cause of Utah. He would like to see it tried next year for the county's three council seats up for re-election. That estimated taxpayer tab: $150,000.

The outline calls for at-large candidates to raise at least 50 individual contributions - 25 for district candidates - of $5 to $250. Overall, an at-large candidate must acquire $12,000 in small donations for matching funds, but spending limits would be capped at $120,000 in a general election ($60,000 for district candidates). The totals would include any matching money.

If a nonparticipating candidate passes on the public funding and spends as much as he or she wants, spending limits for participating candidates in the same race would double and their matching money go up as well.

Contributions would be limited to $1,000 from individuals and $2,500 from political parties. No money could be taken directly from businesses or political action committees and candidates would be limited to spending $5,000 of their own money on their own race. Each participant also would have to appear in at least two public debates.

Peterson concedes the model is a "very imprecise science," but calls it an investment in democracy. If adopted, people will find elected office "more reachable," he says.

Maine and Arizona, along with 11 government entities across the nation, use some form of publicly financed campaigns, Peterson notes.

Councilman Randy Horiuchi calls the model the future of politics, but fears it could further skew the advantage for incumbents. Others argue it would work just the opposite.

Common Cause Vice Chairwoman Cassie Dippo, who helped outline the idea, says either way "it will make for more competitive elections."

djensen@sltrib.com

Salt Lake County officials have begun their much-ballyhooed budget-process overhaul, presenting a mock-up of next year's numbers that reads largely as text. Promising a more user-friendly format, the mayor's 2006 spreadsheet will include an outline on each division, performance measures and a spending comparison to other years. And, for the first time, all the data will be available on the county's Web site before budget adoption in December. Chief Financial Officer Linda Hamilton told the County Council on Tuesday, the new road "will have some bumps," but will be worth it. In other county business: lCounty hears pitch for 'fair elections'

Representatives from the Central Utah Water Conservancy District announced they are raising taxes to pay for $150 million in capital improvements. The increase in Salt Lake County averages to 59 cents a month on a $200,000 home.

l County Council members created a subcommittee to outline a timeline for public participation as officials prepare to debate the need for a new sewer-treatment facility in the south Salt Lake Valley. Officials must decide whether to expand the current treatment plant in West Jordan or build a new one in Riverton.

- Derek P. Jensen

Highlights of the campaign proposal

To qualify for county matching money under the public-funding proposal, an at-large candidate would have to:

Receive at least 50 individual contributions of $5 to $250.

Raise at least $3,000 for a primary election or $12,000 for a general election.

Agree to at least two public debates.

Have no individual contribution over $1,000 and no more than $2,500 from a political party.

Spend no more than $30,000 in a primary or $120,000 in a general election, including the matching money.

Source: Fair Elections Ordinance proposal