Supervisor Candidate Shelly Masur Takes 'Merchant Walk' in San Mateo

Editor's Note: The following article was submitted to San Mateo Patch by Greg Leifer. To submit an article or Letter to the Editor, please e-mail laura.dudnick@patch.com.

San Mateo County supervisor candidate Shelly Masur and Deputy Mayor David Lim visited several businesses in downtown San Mateo on Thursday afternoon, discussing a number of issues with area residents, including issues critical to business owners and average voters.

They talked about ways that the county can collaborate with local businesses to improve government efficiency and support local communities, as well as resources available from the county to help local businesses.

One of the key county resources available for local businesses is a result of the Affordable Care Act, which will bring millions of dollars in health care funds to San Mateo County.

Shelly and Deputy Mayor Lim talked with several business owners about the ACA and what it could mean for local small businesses – as well as what the county can do to work to make more businesses aware of these resources.

These programs will allow eligible employees to join the county health care plan or for small businesses to purchase health coverage through the California Health Benefit Exchange, in some cases reducing costs for businesses and overall increasing access to health care.

As a public health advocate and a non-profit executive with a Masters in Public Health, Shelly has the background and expertise to create partnerships between the county and local small businesses that will maximize the funds provided by ACA.

Additionally, Shelly and Deputy Mayor Lim talked with San Mateo residents about how the county can serve as a leader across the various jurisdictions throughout our county. The county can pass legislation, like the recent Styrofoam ban, which the city of San Mateo is considering, as a model for policies that make it easier for local businesses to operate in these various areas, even with the different laws and regulations in each city.

As Supervisor, Shelly will continue the work being done to improve communication between the county, cities and local businesses, helping them understand the resources available from the county at their disposal. She will also build partnerships and collaboration among the county, cities, businesses, non-profits and others – making the county government more efficient and helping local businesses.

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