Lynchburg’s Vice Mayor won’t run for council again

Vice Mayor Bert Dodson, currently the longest-serving member on Lynchburg City Council, announced Wednesday he does not plan to seek another term in office.

In explaining his decision during a news conference at City Hall, he cited the demands he faces as president of Dodson Bros. Exterminating Co., a family-owned business founded by his father and uncle in 1944.

“In the next several years, a significant consolidation is forecasted in the pest management field, and Dodson Bros. has the potential to expand even further in both our present areas of operation and additional states,” he said.

“However, our company cannot take advantage of these opportunities if I continue to fulfill the duties as a council member of the city. Therefore, I have decided after a great deal of thought and reflection to announce today that I will not seek a fourth term from the citizens of our city.”

Dodson Bros., headquartered in Lynchburg, currently has offices in five states that employ nearly 600 people. Dodson, as president, already travels frequently on business.

Dodson is currently serving his 12th year as an at-large member of City Council and his sixth year as vice mayor. His seat is one of three that will be up for election in May. He said he wanted to announce his decision early to give others time to consider running to replace him.

On Wednesday, his colleagues praised him as a hardworking and dedicated councilman who brought a unique perspective to issues.

“The first thing I thought was the city is losing someone who’s been a great warrior for the city and its people,” said Mayor Joan Foster. “He’s done an outstanding job … Our city is a better place to live because of him.”

Councilman Michael Gillette noted that over the years Dodson has amassed a vast collection of thick notebooks filled with the background of every issue that has come before him on council.

“He’s been fastidious about collecting information,” Gillette said. “That’s a pretty good indicator of the kind of person you want on council. He’s always been very, very careful to make sure he’s got all the facts in a row.”

Several members said Dodson brought a strong business viewpoint to council debates. They also noted his deep knowledge of the community and its history.

“He’s business-minded but, growing up around here like he did, he understands the people and the struggles they’re going through,” said Councilman Ceasor Johnson. “He relates to the everyday man.”

Johnson added that Dodson wasn’t afraid to stick to his guns or vote his conscience even in the face of opposition. “He has a certain toughness about him. He doesn’t back down. You always know where he’s going from. I’m going to miss that.”

Dodson, who described his time in office as a “real joy,” said he plans to stay an active voice on council until his term expires. He said he’ll continue to contribute to the community after that through other avenues.

He said he has not spoken to any potential candidates for the May elections and would not campaign on anyone’s behalf in that coming race.

In addition to Dodson’s slot, the seats now held by Mayor Foster and Councilman Scott Garrett will also be up for grabs next year. Garrett is currently running for the House of Delegates against incumbent Shannon Valentine. Foster said Wednesday she has not yet made any decisions about her political future.

Dodson, 56, still has eight months to go in his current term and will be part of shaping next year’s budget. He said his priorities in those deliberations will be to maintain as many services as possible and protect support for public schools.

“It’s going to be a bear,” he said.

Reflecting on his time in office, Dodson recalled a myriad of changes in the city, including the significant investments made in downtown and the series of school construction initiatives that are still being carried out today.

“There have been many different projects,” he said. “I’ve been able to be part of a team that has helped move the city forward. It’s just been a real good ride.”

Full statement from Vice Mayor Bert Dodson Jr.:

“I want to thank everyone for being here today for my announcement about my future as a member our Lynchburg City Council.

When I was first elected in May of 1998, I was extremely humbled by the duties and responsibilities that the good citizens of Lynchburg had voted for me to assume. Our city has progressed tremendously in many different areas over the last 11 years and there is great potential for future advancements to ensure that Lynchburg is the best place to live in Virginia.

Personally, I have seen our city grow and prosper. Our population has increased and our quality of life has blossomed. Even though we are in extremely challenging economic times at the present, our beautiful city will be in the position to rebound when the national and state economy finally becomes better. Our city has been through some tough times, but our citizens are resolute and determined that the tide will change. I have no doubt that Lynchburg, Virginia, will be in the forefront of the economic recovery with job expansion and a more prosperous business environment.

In relation to these challenging times, our family-owned pest management business has future opportunities that will enable our company to expand even further. Since 1944, our company has grown to one of the largest, family-owned, non-franchised firms in the entire country, according to our industry trade magazines. We presently have operations in five states with 34 offices and almost 600 team members.

In the next several years, a significant consolidation is forecasted in the pest management field and Dodson Bros. has the potential to expand even further in both our present areas of operation and additional states. However, our company cannot take advantage of these opportunities if I continue to fulfill the duties as a council member of our city.

Therefore, I have decided after a great deal of thought and reflection to announce today that I will not seek a fourth term from the citizens of our city. I have truly enjoyed my years of public service, yet I must fully dedicate myself to our family business, where I have spent the last 33 years.

In conclusion, I will continue to serve the citizens of our great city until my term ends on June 30, and I look forward to contributing in any way possible to the progress of our part of Central Virginia. Again, thank you for being here. “