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.
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.
Keith Toney
City Council District 2
City Council District 2
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?
My council district (2) is plagued with high rates of
diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity fatty liver
disease and cancers. This is due in part
to a sedentary lifestyle but another factor is that, like many inner-city areas
we are a food "island" causing many residents to depend on high salt
and high sugar diets for sustenance. We
absolutely need more ready access to fresh fruits and vegetables and a
reasonable cost. I would elevate this
discussion with all the principle parties.
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?
As a public servant whether as a school board member or
when I was a city councilman, my focus was and shall continue to be caring for
the least, the last and the lost among us.
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?
I we would proactively approach this by focusing on
preventative measures first.
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?
Reducing the availability of sugary drinks is a reactive
intervention that must be paired with a program of education for youth and parents
alike. The key is moderation of
consumption and ensuring that citizens know the health risks associated with
the foods and drinks they consume.
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?
Continue to educate young people and their parents about
the warning signs of abuse and modify our current "stranger danger"
curriculum to let the children know that not all dangerous strangers appear
monstrous or dirty and that some may present as well dressed and well spoken.
