In anticipation of the upcoming General Election on Nov. 6, the Chico Guild Hall, formally the Chico Grange, was host to a candidate forum on health care held Wednesday by the Butte County Health Care Coalition.

It was standing room only as concerned citizens gathered to hear what the candidates had to say as they tried to sway their votes. After viewing a documentary, the candidates for district assembly were seated before the audience to voice their stance in hopes of winning the support of voters, while moderator Mike Wiltermood kept the night flowing smoothly.

Candidates that showed up are listed below. Click the links in their names to read more about their platforms.

• California State Assembly, 1st District: Caleen Sisk (D)
• California State Assembly, 3rd District: Sonia Aery (D) and James Gallagher (R)
• California Congress: 1st District: Audrey Denney (D)
• California State Senate, 4th District: Phillip Kim (D)

The evening began with a film which graphically described the financial problems seen in the current system and the rising costs of health care. The film was followed by a brief intermission.

Once the room had collected itself the candidates were given one minute to introduce themselves and their position on health care before being asked four specific questions.

The hot topic of the night was whether or not a single payer system would fix the many problems seen in the current health care system. The biggest concern was how to manage the cost of providing health care for everyone. If there was one issue that all candidates seemed to agree on it’s that the cost of health care is just way too high and that needs to change.

A full recording of the event can be viewed through local cable network BCAC.tv

This years General Election is on Nov. 6th. The deadline for voter register is Oct. 22, but those who miss the deadline may still be able to register at their local election office and vote with a provisional ballot.

Dan Christian can be reached at [email protected] or @DanoftheOrion on Twitter.