A group of Sitkans is collecting signatures as part of a statewide effort to implement a system of publicly funded election campaigns in Alaska.

"It seems to me a fell-swoop answer to a lot of different problems -- ethics, it confirms the principle of one-person, one vote, and levels the playing field," said Zach LaPerriere, a local organizer of Alaskans for Clean Elections. "It gets the emphasis off big money and back to democracy."

The new funding law would cover campaign financing for governor, lieutenant governor, state House and state Senate. Candidates who receive a requisite number of signatures and $5 contributions would be eligible for public funds.

Participation would be voluntary -- any candidate could choose not to apply for public funds, and raise funds independently, regulated by the contribution limitations in the existing campaign finance laws.

Alaskans for Clean Elections is sponsoring the petition drive. The signatures of 23,831 registered voters is needed to get the proposition on next fall's statewide ballot, but ACE's goal is to collect 40,000 by the end of the year.

If the proposition goes on the ballot and is passed by voters, the new system of campaign financing would go into effect by 2010.

The sponsoring group says that public-funded elections will "reduce the influence of big money in Alaska politics, encourage a greater diversity of candidates and robust debate of important issues, and restore public trust in government through a voluntary system of public financing of campaign."

LaPerriere and other local sponsors of Alaskans for Clean Elections will host the screening of the documentary film "Oil, Politics and Bribes" at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18, in Centennial Hall. Admission is free.

The film, which was first shown on PBS, seeks to describe the role of big-money interest groups in influencing Alaska state politics, in the context of the most recent charges and convictions against elected officials.

Two years ago LaPerriere headed the initiative campaign in Sitka that led to an ordinance requiring a vote of the people before any dock is built capable of serving a large cruise ship.

LaPerriere said he has been reading about the success of publicly funded elections in other states.

"I think it's a great idea," he said.

Seven states so far have adopted "clean elections" laws. Another 30 states have citizen initiatives under way to implement similar laws, said Michelle Meyer, campaign manager for Alaskans for Clean Elections.

Under the proposed initiative, candidates qualify to receive public funds for their campaigns by collecting a specified number of $5 contributions, accompanied by the same number of voter signatures, from their district. The candidate must agree to conduct his or her campaign using only public funds.

The public funding will be sufficient to "run a viable race in Alaska," campaign literature states. The sponsors say the new system would cost $5 million per election, or less than half of one percent of the current state budget.

"Clean elections would put things back in line with what the constitutional founders wanted for the state," LaPerriere said. "It's not perfect but it's probably one of the best constitutions, and a lot of people look to it when writing their own constitutions."

The Web site for the clean elections group has a flow chart describing the process.

Under the proposal, which is modeled on other state clean-elections programs, candidates would choose whether to pursue the private funds route. If they decide to go for the public funding, they must sign a statement agreeing not to accept private contributions.

For the "clean elections" route, each elective office has a designated number of signatures and $5 contributions that must be collected to be eligible for the program -- 3,000 for governor, 1,500 for lieutenant governor, 400 for state Senate, and 200 for state House.

Those crossing that hurdle would be eligible for public funds to run in the primary: $250,000 governor, $150,000 for lieutenant govenor, $24,000 for state Senate and $16,000 for House.

If the winner of the primary gets 10 percent or more of the vote, funds would be available for the general election: $500,000 for governor and lt. governor, $26,000 for state Senator and $24,000 for House.

If a candidate who does not participate in the "clean elections" program outspends a candidate who has public funding, the clean-elections candidate may receive more public funds for the general election.

A bipartisan group of legislators submitted "clean elections" bills in the last session, Senate Bill 182 and House Bill 261. The bills were assigned to three committees in each house, and though they will be carried over to the 2008 session, they face uncertain prospects in the Legislature.

Rep. Peggy Wilson, who represents the District 2 communities of Sitka, Wrangell and Petersburg, said she was not aware of the "clean elections" bills or the initiative drive, but said it sounded like a good idea.

"That would be fantastic," she said. "It's very difficult to raise money. It's not an easy thing." She cited a recent trip she had to take out of her district, to Anchorage, for a nurses' association fundraiser.

"It's frustrating," she said, referring to efforts candidates have to expend to raise money for their campaigns. "It's the worst part of campaigning, as far as I'm concerned. ... It's not easy."

Wilson said public-financing of campaigns would increase the number of people vying for office.

Sen. Bert Stedman, who represents Sitka, Ketchikan, Wrangell and Petersburg, was not available for comment.

Petitions are available at the Fisherman's Eye gallery and Old Harbor Books. Petitions will also be available for signing at the film screening on Tuesday.