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BCMS NEWS

Mayoral candidates address
health issues at forum

The three primary candidates in the race for mayor of San Antonio participated
in a spirited forum on March 2 at the Tobin Center downtown.

The forum was sponsored by the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
and the Bexar County Medical Society in partnership with KSAT 12.

Bexar County Democratic Chairman Manuel Medina, Mayor Ivy Taylor and
City Councilman Ron Nirenberg discussed a variety of topics during the 90-
minute debate.

BCMS President Leah Jacobson, MD, asked the candidates questions about com-
munity health and wellness and funding for indigent care. Nirenberg said the next
mayor should prioritize funding for agencies that tackle community health issues
like diabetes and childhood obesity. Medina promised to work closely with Metro
Health and enforce environmental health and air pollution rules. Taylor said health
issues have always been a priority for the city and said she would like to see more
funding for outdoor parks where people can go to exercise.

The municipal election is May 6. Early voting is from April 24 to May 2.

Top to bottom: Chairman Manuel Medina, Mayor Ivy Taylor and Councilman Ron Niren-
berg take questions from the audience. BCMS President Leah Jacobson, MD, asks the mayoral
candidates about local health issues. Dr. David Cohen, a candidate for City Council District
9, with Ron Nirenberg and BCMS Executive Director Steve Fitzer.

24 San Antonio Medicine • April 2017