Ellie Kinnaird and Moses Carey took part in a debate Wednesday night at Chapel Hill Town Hall.

LISTEN TO DEBATE!

When asked what would be the first thing they would focus on if elected to the state Senate for District 23, both Ellie Kinnaird and Moses Carey pointed to improving health services.

Kinnaird, the veteran incumbent, said the decision by Secretary of Health and Human Services Dempsey Benton to take away local control from mental health services has resulted in a crisis for patients.

In 2001, Benton’s idea was to supply care to patients close to home. Instead, it has resulted in skyrocketing costs and the state has reimbursed providers to provide inadequate care, Kinnaird said. 

Kinnaird made her comments during a debate with Carey Wednesday night at Chapel Hill Town Hall. The two are running for the Democratic nomination for state Senate for District 23.

Carey said he would focus on improving access to affordable health care and insurance.

Kinnaird and Carey discussed a variety of issues including immigration, employment, the environment, and repeat offenders.