Congressman G.K. Butterfield said he wanted "Democracy at it's best", so he answered questions and listened to constituents concerns over government plans to mandate health insurance for every American.

A crowd of 600 people packed the gym at J.W. Parker Middle School in Rocky Mount to listen to Butterfield explain the health care proposal.

His comments drew cheers and shouts of opposition.

Butterfield, who has said he wanted the opportunity to counter "misconceptions" about the proposal, said he welcomed all opinions and got them.

Dr. Greg Solovieff, an emergency room doctor with 25 years experience, questioned page 167 of House bill 3200.

"You say we can can keep our own doctor, our own health care plan.  But if anything changes with our doctor or plan we'd be foreced to go on the public option, which I'm afriad won't be an option at all."

The Representative repeated "under our plan if you like your doctor, youo can keep your doctor.  If you like your health plan youo can keep your health plan."

But what about the costs?

An estimated 1.5 million North Carolinas have no insurance.

Butterfield said the government would establish a "health insurance exchange" to help you purchase a policy through private insurers or use the government's public option.

See our broadcast story in the monitor above for some examples of the costs.

Nashville resident Valorie Sauls showed up to make a stand.

"I'm getting angrier by the day," she said, "The government is trying to take control of my life.  I don't want the government in my life."

Sauls was particularly upset to learn if you opt not to have insurance coverage, you'll be penalized 2.5% of your salary.

A disabled letter carrier stepped up to the mic to state health care is a human right, not a priviledge. 

She supports reform and wants to see a strong affordable public health option on the table, a single payer plan. 

Tillery resident Galdys Walden liked what she heard about Medicare.

Several senior citizens expressed concerns over changes to the program and losing coverage.

Walden said Butterfield set the record straight, no one will loose coverage, but the Medicare/Medicaid program will be reviewed for fraud, abuse and excess.

Butterfield said in ten years time they'll find $500 billion from Medicare/Medicaid that they'll put toward health insurance reform.

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2nd story BUTTERFIELD TOWN HALL OFFER MIXED OPINIONS

by: Laura Barron/NBC 17 News

The town hall meeting drew a crowd with many opinions, inlcluding John Fatheree who owns Via Cappuccino Coffee House in Rocky Mount.

He said he believes there needs to be some kind of reform but isn't sold on the current proposed plan.

"It's growing government and it's not really fixing any problems we have," Fatheree said.

The small business owner, who has been in business for 7 years, said he'd like to see some sort of incentive in the plan for people to stay healthy.

"It keeps costs down that way," Fatheree said.

Fatheree said the proposal is difficult to understand and one of his customers, Heather Sanchez, admitted she's not fully engaged in the health care reform discussion.

 "Everybody needs health care, and there are a lot of people who don't have it and they really do need it," Thomas said.

 "I think it needs to be improved greatly before people accept it, especially people here," George said.

Others, like Pola George, said people aren't ready to accept the health care reform proposal as it is now.

"I haven't heard that much about it and I'm not really that concerned and its not really talked about in my community of friends," Sanchez said.

Rocky Mount has been hit hard by the recession and many people expressed that economic recovery is still their number one priority. Still, people like James Thomas said reform is needed.