By Gia Vang

EUGENE, Ore. -- Perhaps the most controversial issue when it comes to the national health care debate is the public option. Well, County and city leaders take that head on in a march Monday.

Leaders along with dozens of supporters marched from the federal court house to the Wayne Morse Free Speech Plaza stating they want a public option.

Lane County resident Marc Shapiro said, "We can make all the noise we want, but if it doesn't go beyond this square, it doesn't do any good."

County Commissioner Pete Sorenson said 60,000 Lane County residents are without health insurance.

"That's a very high percentage, so it affects just about everyone one way or another," he said.

But the Lane County Republican Party is also showing their opposition with the issue.

Vice President Sean Van Gordon said the party disagrees with the plan because he said it will give the government the ability to set prices.

He said it's unfair for private insurers and it takes away market competition, which is what will ultimately drive down health care prices.

"Lane County does need health care, but families need to be able to choose what kind of health care and what type of health care and how much they're willing to pay for that health insurance instead of having a cookie-cutter approach provided by Washington for us," Van Gordon said.

The Lane County Board of Commissioners will be considering a resolution at the board's regular meeting Tuesday. The resolution will urge the Oregon Congressional Delegation to promote passing a comprehensive health care reform bill with a public option.