We’ve been monitoring the fallout from Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva’s arrest since Thursday. Here are some can’t-miss updates:
Mayor Silva Addresses the Allegations
Silva held a press conference Friday, addressing allegations that he participated in and secretly recorded an underage game of strip poker at a camp he runs for disadvantaged youth.
“Number one, everyone there was 18 years old,” a defiant Silva said. “Number two, I never, ever, ever, ever endangered a child ever. Number three, I never provided alcohol to anyone, and I certainly didn’t secretly record anyone.”
The mayor accused the FBI of using illegal search methods and called the charges politically-motivated.
You can read the full text of his press conference here.
Calls for a Resignation Mount
Council Members Dan Wright, Michael Blower and Susan Lofthus, as well as the Stockton Police Officers Association, are among those calling on the mayor to resign. Wright and the SFPOA mentioned the repeated controversies involving Mayor Silva, with Wright saying the latest arrest proves he “can’t be the person to guide our community during our transition from the era of bankruptcy and foreclosure to becoming a first-class city.”
Mayoral Challenger Weighs In, Gets Heckled
Councilman Michael Tubbs, who is vying to oust Silva as mayor, issued his first public comments since the arrest during a press conference Monday. He was flanked by every member of the city council except Silva.
Tubbs did not specifically call for Silva’s resignation, instead striking a more conciliatory tone. He was still shouted down several times during the speech by Silva supporters, some of them chanting, “DUI!”
Oh, didn’t you know? Tubbs has a bit of a history of his own.
All eyes are now on Tuesday night’s council meeting. This is sure to be an interesting one so keep checking in for updates!
Image Credit: Flickr User banspy, https://flic.kr/p/6RFiyQ via (CC BY 2.0)