SUNRIVER, OR -- Ballots are now in the hands of voters, and Oregon’s race for Governor is heating up. The top three Democrats running for the state's top job met in Sunriver for a forum, Sunday. The event was hosted by the Democratic Party of Oregon, so this was a friendly crowd.

On the homeless crisis, former State House Speaker Tina Kotek touted her work in the legislature, but didn't offer specific future actions. "We have too many people living on the streets; it’s unacceptable," she said, "I have a plan that says in the first 10 minutes of my administration, the first 10 months and the first 10 years, we’re going to solve this problem."

State Treasurer Tobias Read said current efforts aren’t enough, "We have to get a lot faster at standing up transitional and emergency shelters that includes the wrap-around services that many people need."

Small business owner Patrick Starnes wants to create what he calls the Oregon Shelter Fund, "It needs to be income-based permanent housing. Because it’s not just for the unhoused, it’s for our workforce housing, too."

All three committed to closing the urban-rural divide in Oregon. Read said, "We have to realize that most of us have some version of the same priorities- to make sure that the people we care about are happy, and healthy, and safe, and nearby and have some prospect for a brighter future." Starnes, who ran for Governor as an Independent in 2018, told the crowd, "I’m a rural Democrat and I’m traveling to all 36 counties. So, it’s crucial that we bring Oregonians back to one Oregonian. ‘Cause we’re all tired of the divisiveness." Kotek added, "There’s no magic wand here to fix this problem. It’s about really listening and being present in communities that feel left behind."

They also discussed education, job creation and the GOP. Click HERE to watch the full Sunriver forum. In total, 15 Democrats are running for Governor in the May 17 Primary.