Health Concerns

Restaurateurs Back David Chiu for Mayor After He Votes Against Healthcare Legislation

Supervisor David Chiu
Supervisor David Chiu Photo: Courtesy of David Chiu for Mayor

Let’s take a moment out to discuss the race for S.F. mayor, shall we? The recent exposé regarding the use of Healthy S.F. surcharges on restaurant bills to pay for things other than healthcare recently became a campaign issue, as it happens. The Guardian reports that David Chiu has curried favor with restaurant owners and the Golden Gate Restaurant Association — as well as $6,000 in campaign contributions — following his vote last week against some new legislation that would prevent restaurants and other businesses from raiding their unused healthcare set-aside funds at the end of the year. The legislation passed in a 6-5 vote, pending final approval, but Mayor Ed Lee has promised to veto it, which should win him some votes as well. Amusing sidebar: Over at SFGate, Beth Spotswood imagines what is on various mayoral candidates’ “riders” during their campaign-event circuit. [Guardian, Earlier]

Restaurateurs Back David Chiu for Mayor After He Votes Against Healthcare