Essex County’s Top Public Safety Official, the Sheriff of New Jersey’s largest and most active department in the State of New Jersey, Armando Fontoura, has officially endorsed the candidacy of Mike Silva for East Ward City Council in Newark.

The run-off election is being held on June 14th, 2022 and pits perennial city council candidate Anthony Campos against newcomer Mike Silva. Silva was the winner in the May non-partisan race, and on June 14th, Mike Silva will face Anthony Campos one-on-one, vying for the right to represent all of the people of the East Ward. Campos has already lost a number of times in prior city council races and came in second place in the May 2022 election.

Sheriff Armando Fontoura stated, “I have known Mike Silva for over 30 years, and can attest to the type of person that Mike is. His qualities as an individual are beyond reproach. He is humble, caring about people, and truly committed to the community. Mike knows the issues which are important to the residents of the East Ward, as he is proactive, and knows how to get the job done”. Sheriff Fontoura went on to add, “This is the Mike Silva I know, a person who will represent the community with distinction. He is the best one for the job of East Ward City Councilman …and that is why I am proud to give him my
unconditional endorsement.”

Mike Silva is clearly ecstatic about the Sheriff’s endorsement, which was highly sought out by both individuals. “Sheriff Armando Fontoura’s endorsement means the world to me” stated Silva. “Here is a dedicated community servant, one that I have always respected. He is a national figure on public safety, and his support and mentorship has made me the community focused police officer that I have been all throughout my career. I hope that I can help make a contribution to that legacy of leadership.”

The Mike Silva for City Council Campaign stated “People in the world of law enforcement really respect Mike Silva, and Sheriff Fontoura’s endorsement is a testament of that trust. While other candidates are ‘talking the talk’, Mike continues to walk all the streets of the East Ward, not just some of the streets, or meeting with just some of the people. He is a dedicated community leader in contact with the citizens, business people, churches, and community organizations all over the East Ward.”

The Silva campaign went on to add “There are more endorsements coming down the pike. We are humbled that respected, public safety officials like our Sheriff Fontoura recognize that Mike Silva will be the most fair, responsible and committed representative. Out of the two candidates running, there is only one true dedicated candidate for all of the East Ward, and that is Mike Silva.”