STOCKTON, Calif. — A former mayor of Stockton who once faced several felony charges is running for city council.
"I'm running for city council because the city of Stockton needs help," said former Mayor Anthony Silva. "Since I've been gone. There's nobody representing the poor and the middle class of Stockton. Crime is back on the rise and homelessness is out of control... my city doesn't need a cheerleader. They need someone that's going to go in there and fight for them."
Silva was mayor between 2013-17 and faced several allegations during that span of time, including one that alleged he defrauded the Stockton Kids Club out of millions of dollars. He was the CEO of the organization at the time.
He ultimately pleaded guilty to one felony charge of conflict of interest as part of a plea deal. His sentence included 90 days in jail, more than $19,000 in restitution to a kids charitable organization and three years probation.
"No one is ever totally happy. We appreciate that the district attorney's office re-looked at this case and agreed with us that there wasn't evidentiary support on a lot of the allegations that have been made against Mr. Silva," said Allen Sawyer, Silva's attorney back in 2019 following the sentencing.
In August 2017, Silva also pleaded no contest to providing alcohol to a minor, settling a case that included three other charges related to a 2015 incident where he allegedly took part in a strip poker game with minors at the camp he ran in Amador County. Silva said it was an accident. The other three charges were dropped. He was ordered to perform 40 hours of community service.
Silva filed for the 2024 election, running for city council District 2, which is currently held by Dan Wright. Wright has filed to run for mayor in 2024.
"I think the biggest issue facing Stockton is police. Right now. We are not at the adequate staffing levels to keep our city safe," said Silva.
Silva said Stockton has issues addressing the homeless population and other issues stemming from it, such impacts on businesses. He said his skillset and knowledge can help the city become a better place.
"I'm somebody that I've already been in the public eye. I've had a lot of negativity thrown at me. I've been chewed up and spit out, and I've been knocked down more than a few times. But I'm not afraid to push forward to get back up to dust myself off. For the mistakes I've made in the past, I say sorry, and I've learned from my mistakes," said Silva.
