I’m Simi Patnaik. For 24 years, Woodbury has been my home. I love this community. My husband and I raised our children here, and I’ve worked for the last two decades to make our community stronger, volunteering in schools and for local groups like Woodbury Thrives, the Woodbury Community Garden, the Library Board, the Foundation, and the Chamber. I am passionate about the problem-solving nature of local government. For the past 7 years, I have served on the South Washington County School Board, where I’ve gained hands-on experience in strategic planning, budget management, policymaking, and community engagement. This work has allowed me to build relationships with all levels of government, businesses, nonprofits, civic groups, and the community at large. Local experience and relationships matter, because county government touches our lives daily and commissioners need to understand the impact of their decisions. With uncertainty at the state and federal levels, practical leadership and relevant experience, rooted in community, is more important than ever.
My top priority is fiscal responsibility and budget management. Washington County currently has the third-lowest tax burden in the state, and has a history of commissioners being prudent stewards of taxpayer money to ensure long-term stability and certainty for residents. Federal and state budget cuts will hit the county starting in 2027. We need pragmatic, experienced leadership on the budget to ensure we use our dollars as effectively as possible – including making careful spending decisions, seeking grant funding, pursuing public-private partnerships, and thinking creatively to ensure our dollars go as far as possible.
Affordable housing and economic development are deeply interconnected. Woodbury and Washington County residents have shared that affordable housing remains one of their top concerns, and employers have shared affordable housing is critical for a vibrant economy. The county participates through housing assistance programs; supporting workforce housing; partnering with developers; and creating programs that help first-time homebuyers and seniors remain in their communities. Going forward, I will advocate for the county to lobby for increased resources; foster partnerships with landlords and other local governments; and support innovative approaches to increase housing supply.
Infrastructure – clean water, roads, libraries, public facilities, parks – are critical to a healthy community. Solid infrastructure is the foundation of the county’s quality of life and a springboard for economic growth. I support infrastructure investments that help residents access jobs, healthcare, and essential services. As our current infrastructure ages, the county must carefully balance maintenance and improvements with the impact on taxpayers. I will advocate for the careful prioritization of capital projects while leveraging state and federal resources, and work in close coordination with other local governments to maximize impact.
Have questions or suggestions? I would love to hear from you!
Campaign Headquarters
916 Silver Spur Rd, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274