CLINTON -- U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson reiterated on Wednesday his support for reforming health care while preserving what he said is a market-based system that works for individuals and small businesses.

"There are two things I do not support when it comes to health care: I do not support a national health care system, and I do not support the notion of doing nothing," Johnson told a crowd of about 150 people at a town hall-style meeting at Clinton High School.

"I believe citizens should be able to purchase insurance even with a pre-existing condition and we should have better services, but it shouldn't lead to a socialized national plan," the Urbana Republican said.

The overwhelming majority of the crowd seemed to support Johnson's health care stand. Only one opponent spoke, drawing mild jeers from some in the crowd.

While health care dominated the event, discussion also focused on the rising unemployment rate and the proposed storage of chemical waste at the landfill on Clinton's south side.

"So many elected officials don't spend enough time in their district and think government stops or starts in Washington or Springfield rather than in Clinton, Maroa and Kenney in Central Illinois," he said. "Government has become something that works from the top down instead of from the bottom up like it is supposed to."

Johnson said the health care debate and the jobless rate are matters he is most focused on.

He said he believes jobs can be created by spending money on infrastructure improvements such as building of roads and bridges. While President Barack Obama's federal stimulus package did include infrastructure money, too much was spent on other economic recovery measures, he said.

"I do not support bailouts for the insurance or auto industries," he said. "I do not support stimulus programs that only serve to assure that you, your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be paying for."

Johnson also was asked what he thought of Peoria Disposal Co.'s application for a permit to store waste containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at Clinton Landfill.

"I have received numerous communications from local citizens on this subject and I have expressed those concerns and my own concerns that this is a serious issue for this area," Johnson said. "I remain committed to finding a solution. What I can do is to make sure your case is properly presented to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)."