Larsen’s health care forum begins at 5 p.m.

Congressman Rick Larsen is expected to step into the midst of a national debate when he hosts a town hall-style forum at Everett Memorial Stadium on health care reform at 5 p.m. today.

So far, the Everett Democrat is the only congressional lawmaker to hold an event like this in Snohomish County.

Around the country, lawmakers have replaced public forums with teleconferences, or have beefed up security as they face emotional crowds while talking about proposals to change health care now making their way through the Congress.

Other lawmakers who represent Snohomish County in Congress have yet to schedule forums.

U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee, D-Bainbridge, plans to schedule two health care town meetings, but has no dates or locations yet. Inslee represents parts of King and Kitsap counties as well as south Snohomish County.

Sen. Maria Cantwell has already held nine events around the state regarding health care. But the last was around the July 4 holiday, before the issue became a heated topic.

She plans to meet with the public after legislation on the bill passes through the Senate Finance Committee.

Sen. Patty Murray’s office did not return a phone call Wednesday afternoon seeking information about possible meetings.

Larsen’s forum is scheduled for 5 p.m. today at the Aqua Sox ballpark at Everett Memorial Stadium, 3900 Broadway.