STOCKTON-

A confident Anthony Silva has made the news on several occasions since becoming Mayor of Stockton. News over some controversial things he’s done.

“They’re gonna call the Mayor, and they’re gonna hold me accountable. And if they don’t like that job I’m doing, they can fire me. They don’t have to reelect me,” Silva said. “Well I think it’s something new, everyday in Stockton.”

The latest issue, Mayor Silva purchased badges for his personal security guards that some say look similar to badges worn by Stockton Police officers.

“We have them downstairs in City Hall, during the council meetings, guard each side of the city council,” he said. “Everyone knows that I’m a hands-on mayor, someone that goes into the toughest and most dangerous neighborhoods in the city of Stockton.”

“So I’ve hired security it’s as simple as that. And I’ve obtained identification to give to these security,” Silva told FOX40. “If somebody’s trying to make this something bigger than it’s not, like I’m going around handing people badges. I’m just trying to take care of myself, that’s all.”

Silva admits some have characterized him as a rogue mayor, making decisions on his own, just as he did during a search for a new city manager.

“I try to consult other people. I know this is a team. I tell everybody, everyday, Stockton is a big ship of 300,000 people, turning in the right direction. but it takes a long time to turn that ship. And that’s what I’m trying to do here in Stockton.”