EL PASO, Texas -- With the debate over health care reform heating up, U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes is in El Paso inviting people to join the discussion in a town hall meeting, but the meeting's not happening the way it is in other cities.

"It's obvious he's trying to avoid the protesters. Call-ins isn't going to stop people from having an option," said Heather Westerfelhaus from East El Paso.

Reyes is being criticized for not holding a town hall meeting in which he is face to face with constituents. Instead, he's holding his Q and A over the radio and on the phone. Reyes said while he won't hold a public meeting, he will make himself accessible for anyone.

"Ask me whatever question you want, I'll give you the information, you got me right here. But they say, 'No, no. I want a town hall meeting.' It's obvious to me it's not about facts or information. Its about acting upon a stage," said Reyes.

Some lawmakers have faced angry crowds. Reyes said they are conservatives who just want to disrupt a public meeting.

"I don't want to get into shouting matches or get into issues that are disrupting. I want to make sure the people who are interested in getting that information get that information," Reyes said.

Reyes will also host a live telephone town hall on this issue from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday. All El Pasoans are invited and encouraged to participate by dialing 1-877-269-7289. When prompted for a pin number, callers must dial 13318. The call is free for all participants.

You can also reach Reyes or his staff at the El Paso office at 534-4400.