BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Kern County residents stepped up to the microphone Wednesday night to discuss health care reform with Congressman Kevin McCarthy.

For two hours McCarthy heard from his constituents and took their questions, as it was a chance for residents to share their thoughts both for and against the proposed health care reform legislation.

To a thunderous applause, McCarthy kicked off the meeting by letting the crowd know exactly where he stands on HR 3200, one of the bills being considered in Congress and the one that's received the most attention nationally.

"Now I'm going to be very frank and forthright with you, I'm opposed to that bill," McCarthy said in his opening remarks. "I'm opposed to that bill, not because I'm opposed to health care reform, I'm opposed to that bill because I read that bill."

During the 90 minutes of statements, questions and answers the conversation centered on a wide variety of issues surrounding the 1,017 page bill, from the public insurance option to how the government will pay for it, the legality of the bill and whether congressmen and women have actually read the resolution.

No matter the question or perspective passions were high from those both for and against the resolution.

In the end, McCarthy thought the town hall went well.

"Anytime you have 3,000 people show up because they care about where their country is going, that's better for society," McCarthy said afterward. "They're more informed of what's happening, but you're able to listen, but you also see the frustration that's out there on both sides of the aisle."

And even after two hours of health care reform talk, McCarthy wasn't done talking as he met with dozens of folks who still had questions or comments.

"And what that means is people are more engaged in politics than ever before, they want to know what's happening and they want to see solutions," McCarthy said.