Roy Lee didn’t expect to win the election. He was as surprised by the results as everyone else.
Over 50% of voters chose Lee over expected incumbent, Das Williams, in a stunning upset this past March. Even though Lee was well-liked, most people thought the long-time public servant, Williams, would prevail. Lee will begin serving as a Santa Barbara County Supervisor representing District 1 in January.
“I was surprised by the election results because the campaign was hard and the odds were against me,” Lee said. “But I believe that if you work hard, you can achieve your goals.
“My kids see me work hard every day. This is a good lesson for them about the importance of working hard and listening to others. My kids are proud.”
Lee has a background as a public servant.
Lee, 43, has served as councilmember for the City of Carpinteria since 2018. His family has owned and operated the popular Uncle Chen Restaurant since 1991. Starting as a dish washer at age 14, Lee learned quickly about the hard work required to run a successful restaurant.
Today, he credits consistent hard work for his accomplishments at the restaurant, in the campaign results and in life.
“Being in the restaurant every day, I heard customers complaining about various issues,” Lee said. “I listened and over time I built trust with people, and they believed I wanted to make things better. I learned that food and politics go hand in hand.
“I am very excited and grateful to be given this opportunity to serve the first district and our entire county. I come to this role with the mindset of a server, like in my restaurant. I learn so much more from listening than from talking.”
Lee will be stepping into many contentious issues.
The cannabis order abatement discussion is high on the list. Carpinteria is especially concerned about grows being near homes. North county has conflicts between cannabis growers and the wine industry. Controlling the odor from cannabis, putting a cap on the growth of farms and determining how to appropriately tax this relatively new industry concern many residents.
Providing affordable workforce housing for teachers, local restaurant workers, police and healthcare workers are top of mind challenges. Lee is also concerned about mental health issues and animal welfare.
Lee notes that each area in District 1 has its particular concerns. Carpinteria is working to protect our environment, preserve open space like the bluffs, support the business corridor, solve the cannabis challenges and maintain a high quality of life. Westside wants to improve flood control. Milpas focuses on street improvement. Montecito highlights the importance of fire insurance and fire prevention. Summerland just wants to be heard and taken seriously.
“I’ve been going out to each area in my district to learn what is important to them,” Lee said. “It’s amazing what you learn just by listening to people and doing your homework. It’s been a busy year.”
Lee credits his family with providing valuable support.
His family immigrated from Taiwan in 1986, when Lee was six years old. They came from a farming background and arrived in the U.S. with very little. His father was the second of 12 children and quit school at the age of 12 to work and provide for the family. Lee says his parents risked everything to achieve a better life in a new country.
He grew up in Goleta attending Dos Pueblos High School, Santa Barbara City College and UCSB—while always working full time.
“We all work hard every day to maintain our home and business,” Lee said. “I feel we are a perfect example of what you can achieve through hard work, commitment and giving back.”
Lee and Tina, his wife of 18 years, have three children and two dogs. Taison, Madison and Ellie, ages 17, 14 and 11 have all learned the importance of working hard and serving others.
Lee says he learned the importance of compromise from Tina. “She is my rock and works in the restaurant every day.” Lee’s brother, Brian, is a popular mailman in Carpinteria.
Lee’s life changed dramatically when his kids were born. “I wanted to be a good father and husband and always do what is right,” Lee said. “I wanted to build a better community by focusing on everyone from kids to seniors.”
Lee also credits his mentors Barney Melekian, Joyce Dudley and Pat McElroy with his success. He calls them his kitchen cabinet. “I am so fortunate to have them be there for me and give me great advice about how to serve,” Lee said. “I am also grateful for my Chief of Staff, Wade Cowper (pronounced cooper). I trust him.”
Lee works out regularly at the Montecito YMCA and volunteers at St. Joseph’s Church.
Lee said he is looking forward to meeting new people, learning new things and serving his district and the entire county.