Minnick hosting town hall forum tonight on health care

Freshman Congressman Walt Minnick, of Idaho’s 1st District, will jump into the health care fray tonight with a town hall forum. It will be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at North Idaho College’s Schuler Auditorium. The forum will begin with Minnick making some comments about his position on health care reform, said John Foster, a spokesman for the congressman. After that, moderator Mike Patrick, the editor of the Coeur d’Alene Press, will ask Minnick questions from among many that were submitted ahead of time. Finally, raffle tickets will be chosen to determine who will ask the final questions. Everyone entering the auditorium will receive a raffle ticket. Foster said the audience at a town hall meeting in Sandpoint Monday night was polite and respectful, despite disagreements, and he anticipates the same type of crowd in Coeur d’Alene. At meetings across the country, health care reform has sparked strong emotions, including at Aug. 13 events attended by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers in Colville. However, unlike some meetings – where members of Congress have been shouted down or threatened – McMorris Rodgers’ crowds were mostly polite and respectful. Foster said Minnick has met with many groups regarding health care reform and some common themes have been expressed. He said the vast majority of people seem to agree some type of reform is needed and they tend to agree on some basic principles, including the need to be able to buy health insurance regardless of pre-conditions.