Dwight Dopilka officially announced his candidacy for Town Council on Saturday, March 10, during a kick-off event at the Leesburg Executive Airport.

He first announced his campaign in early February and will challenge former Loudoun County Supervisor and Town Council member Kelly Burk during next month’s special election.

“I do feel like I am the underdog running against an established person but I’m optimistic and confident that the results will turn out good,” Dopilka said, adding that he is excited it’s just a two-person race. “I think it’s a clear choice for the people of Leesburg.”

Dopilka said he’s been interested in running for Town Council for almost twenty years. He had originally planned to run back in 2010 but an unexpected job change derailed those plans.

“When I learned that there was a seat being vacated by Ken Reid it seemed like a logical time to jump in,” Dopilka said.

In his first term, Dopilka said he would like to continue the progress that is being made to keep taxes low while at the same time cutting unnecessary regulations and spending.

Finding new revenue for the utilities department would also be a plus in order to keep water and sewer rates low.

Dopilka said he would like to see an increase in police protection and foot patrols where needed and recommended that at least 25 new officers be hired.

Another topic that is important to Dopilka is the image of Leesburg, he said. He has no tolerance for the courthouse displays that appear on the front lawn each year and would like to see the town have a better handle on how its image is being portrayed.  

Dipolka, 49, is a systems integrator, project coordination and section manager for a Northern Virginia Aerospace firm.  He received his B.S. in Engineering Technology from University of Central Florida and A.A.S. from Delaware Technical & Community College in Electronics.

He currently serves as the Loudoun Board of Supervisors liaison to the Leesburg Executive Airport Commission and lives in Leesburg with his wife, Lisa, and three daughters.

“I feel like I’m behind, scrambling to get things done. But I have a great team and I am excited about the race,” Dopilka said. “It is opening new territories.”

Dopilka has been endorsed by Ken Reid, Leesburg representative to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, current Councilman Tom Dunn, School Board member Bill Fox, Town Commissioners Frank Holtz, Butch Porter, Tom Seeman and the Loudoun County Republican Committee.

To volunteer or contribute to the campaign visit www.VoteDwight.org.