THORNTON, Colo. -- Colorado residents showed up at a housing fair to talk about health care Saturday morning in Thornton.

U.S. Representatives Jared Polis (D-CO) and Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) had planned to host a conversation about the mortgage crisis at the Mary Carpenter Recreation Center. However, when faced with hundreds of people protesting health care reform outside the building, Polis moved to meet with them instead.

“This is really great. It’s democracy in action,” said Polis. “A lot of people are saying how will this effect what I have now? Will I have more choices? Will I save money?”

Polis spent nearly four hours taking questions from groups of 10 to15 at a time, including both supporters and opponents of the proposed legislation.

“I’m very concerned about it. I think it’s going to increase my costs,” Tony Polisi said. “I’ve had the worst business year that I’ve ever had in 15 years in private business.”

Polisi works as an architect. In addition to his concerns about the cost of health care reform, he fears the plan would mean too much government control.

“They’re going to start doing all kinds of things. They’re gong to be intruding into our lives, telling us whether we’re taking good care of our kids, and whether or not I can have this medical procedure for my parents,” he said. “I don’t need a death panel telling me how to take care of my mom.”

Supporter of the plan, Sharon Shifflette, said Polisi is misinformed.

“We’re not out to kill grandma. I’m a grandma. I don’t want to be killed,” she said. “Everybody has a right to health care.”

What about the cost? Shifflette had an idea.

“The $30 billion to $40 billion a year that goes for insurance CEO pay,” she said, “that will pay for a lot of people.”

Congressman Polis said he will take these concerns and suggestions back to Washington, D.C., in September. He wants to see the proposed legislation passed by the end of the year.

7News asked Polis if what he hears from his constituents will effect how he votes. Polis side-stepped the question and said there is a lot to consider.