I am running for re-election to ensure Woodbury remains a safe, prosperous and welcoming community. I am committed to building on the work that has been done. Throughout my campaign, I hope to hear from you and learn what your priorities are for Woodbury, as well as the concerns you have and challenges you face.
Since becoming a Woodbury resident thirteen years ago, I have dedicated my time and knowledge to serving Woodbury. For the past four years, I have served on the City Council and prior to that, I served 8 years on the Woodbury Economic Development Commission, as well as chaired our 2040 Comprehensive Plan Task Force. I understand the demands on our resources and systems of city services. While we are fortunate to be part of a community that the metro area views as successful, we must be thoughtful, resourceful, and responsible in how we address our community’s growing needs. I have taken the time to learn how our city infrastructure works and the challenges we face as the city continues to develop.
Woodbury is growing and thriving. As a co-founder of a small business, I understand the stresses many local business owners and entrepreneurs face. In order to ensure growth, success, and flexibility for our businesses, we need to provide community support, access to resources, and guidance for opportunities. My law degree and years of legal advocacy for families and businesses also provides me with the expertise to be an effective member of our city council. Every day, I seek to understand all sides of an issue, listen and engage others, do my research, and ultimately make educated decisions to solve problems that face my clients. I bring these skills to solve the issues facing the residents and businesses of Woodbury.
Sykora & Santini PLLC
Raising children in Woodbury has made me appreciate the community even more. I love that my children are growing up in a community that values, welcomes, and celebrates our diversities. I believe that our community can provide even more inclusive opportunities and resources for all families to be safe and healthy. It is important that my children (and all others) grow up in a community that cherishes our environment, keeps our community clean, and preserves our natural resources so that Woodbury can be enjoyed for generations to come.
I am a transplant to the community of Woodbury but have deep roots in Minnesota. My mother was born and raised in St. Paul and we have family ties to Henry Hastings Sibley – the first governor of Minnesota. I attended high school in Vermont, college in Maine and law school in Boston. I worked full-time while in law school at two different investment management companies. I spent a semester at William Mitchell (now Mitchell Hamline) before moving here permanently in 2009. My husband, Matthew Benson, and I chose Woodbury to raise our family and are so grateful for the decision.
I met my business and law partner in 2009 and we started our firm, Sykora & Santini, in 2010. We are transactional attorneys focusing on estate planning, estate administration and general business law.
I have two energetic boys who inspire me each day to advocate for their futures and the future of our community here in Woodbury. For more information on my background, please take a moment to watch this video.
B.A. - Government
Colby College
J.D.
New England School Of Law
Woodbury City Council Member
Co-founder of Sykora & Santini PLLC
MSBA Probate & Trust Law Section - Chair
Woodbury Economic Development Commission - Former Member
Woodbury 2040 Comprehensive Plan Task Force - Former Chair
East Side Learning Center - Former Board Member
Wills for Heroes - Volunteer
MSBA Probate & Trust Section Legislative Committee - Member
If there was truly one issue that solidified my decision to seek re-election, it would be to work on the implementation of our permanent water treatment facility. Over the past four years, a tremendous amount of work has been done to advocate on behalf of Woodbury residents to ensure the quality of our water. It is vital that we continue to demand treatment for the lowest feasible detectable level of PFAS in ALL of our wells in Woodbury.
There are serious issues affecting cities across Minnesota and the country. Woodbury can be a leader in protecting our residents, our environment and our natural resources. Effective governance involves careful, deliberate and thoughtful planning. I will continue to tackle these issues head-on. We all need to be stewards of our community and set the leading example of treating each other and our environment with respect.
Additionally, as our demographics are changing, the city of Woodbury needs to be adaptive to what those changes demand. The mission of Woodbury is to be “a leading community in which to live, work and thrive” – and the city should apply this to ALL of our residents. Together, our community must address housing concerns for all, accessibility to transportation, and availability of resources for our aging population. Our young population can also be better engaged to secure future ambassadors of the community.
Residents of Woodbury should feel comfortable and supported in engaging in healthy and active lifestyles, not only for their physical well-being but also mental health. Providing amenities and opportunities for residents to be social and active together creates a better sense of community for all.
A thriving business community is not only beneficial for local business owners but also to the community as a whole. Owning and running a business is difficult. To facilitate the growth and success of our businesses, we must listen and respond to their concerns and, as a city, help however we can by connecting each other and providing resources and opportunities to thrive.
Few issues are more important and more complex than sound fiscal management. Weighing the fundamental needs of the city, such as infrastructure and public safety, with services, programs and amenities that make Woodbury great is a critical responsibility of our city council. We must ensure financial resources are allocated appropriately and city planning reflects our priorities, as well as the budget constraints we face.
