Mayor Anthony Silva’s recent announcement that he would no longer speak to the certain media outlets has raised concerns of transparency.

If the may only speaks to those outlets he sees fit, what message does that send to the community? Ask council members.

“I think it’s important that he talks to all of them to his point across [especially] if he think’s he’s being misrepresented or misunderstood,” said Vice Mayor Paul Canepa. “I think it will be in his best interest to communicate.”

Mayor Silvahas been under a microscope after he purchased badges similar to those used by the police department for his private security. He says the issue was blown completely out of proportion and has since discontinued the use of these badges for his security.

The case is now being looked into to see if he violated the city’s municipal’s code.

“I have turned the badges over to the Police Department for safe keeping while we conduct additional research to ensure that the security company I use in the future has met all requirements of the municipal code,” said Silva. “I hope this brings this issue to an end so we can give our full attention to exiting bankruptcy, reducing crime, and creating jobs.”

However, there still remains the possibility of law violations, said Councilman Albert Holman, who says the news coverage was worthy and necessary. Regardless of the mayor’s personal feelings, Holman says, it is the mayor’s “obligation to talk to news media” when he is dealing with city business.

“I don’t think it was an unwarranted attack on him,” said Holman. “Sometimes you have to be careful about the decisions you make.”

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