CD 10 Eric Robert Morse

Candidates for elected city offices were all asked the same questions by the Bexar County Medical Society and have submitted answers to those questions as shown below. 
This information is provided as a service from the Bexar County Medical Society, but is not an endorsement.
BCMS does not make endorsements of any candidates for office nor of elected officials. 

Eric Robert Morse
City Council District 10

2017 Mayoral/City Council Candidates

Health Care Questions

1. Despite affecting everyone in this community, "community health and wellness" has not been a big priority at City Hall. "Community health and wellness" had one third of the ranking that "streets" received in community input via SpeakUPSanAntonio. Yet it impacts our well being, workforce, economic development and the prosperity of San Antonio.

What health-related areas do you think deserve increased attention, priority, and local resources, and, if elected, how would you elevate the discussion of these health issues at City Hall and lead effective action to improve health and healthcare in our community?

Physical health and fitness are essential to a high standard of living. The local government can help in several ways: First, by eliminating any regulations that limit or otherwise hinder individuals and families from making their own choices when it comes to health and wellness. Second, by maintaining and protecting existing public parks so that citizens can make the most of them. Third, by overhauling zoning and code ordinances to allow for more walkable and livable neighborhoods.

2. Bexar County is the primary source of funding for indigent health care in our area through the Bexar County Hospital District and University Health System. How would you, if elected, promote cooperative efforts to increase services and access to care for the citizens of San Antonio?

I would reduce regulations that limit charitable organizations from operating, and those that prevent individuals and families from participating in healthy lifestyles.

3. The disparity of health care between our poorest and wealthiest zip codes/districts is quite striking (Bexar County Health Collaborative 2016 report). How would you, if elected, reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes for our lower income communities/citizens?

The best way to help the poorest obtain a healthy lifestyle is to make them wealthy. The local government can help by reducing any limitations or regulations that prevent the poor from becoming self-sufficient and productive.

4. San Antonio has a high incidence of obesity and diabetes mellitus and has been ranked as high as second in the nation for obesity in recent years. Past city efforts attempting to improve these rates, such as trying to reduce the prevalence of sugary drinks in our community, have been met with controversy. What ideas do you have to reduce the incidence of these chronic health issues?

The worst foods are often the cheapest. They are the cheapest in large part because of government subsidies (such as those for high fructose corn syrup). Get rid of the subsidies and you will see an equalizing between healthy and unhealthy edibles, and, ultimately, this will make healthy foods more appealing and accessible.

5. According to the CDC, child abuse and neglect are serious problems that can have lasting harmful effects on its victims. The goal in preventing child abuse and neglect is clear — to stop this violence from happening in the first place. What local policies, resources and efforts will you support to promote safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for all children and families?

Safe and healthy families are integral to a flourishing community. Local governments can help first by protecting the lives of innocent children from violence, and this principle begins when the children are still in the womb. Once we have guaranteed the protection of all innocent lives, we can work on reducing the policies that destabilize families such as extreme drug laws, as well as welfare and wage controls that incentivize joblessness.