First Term
Silva was first elected to the Winnipeg City Council in the 1992 municipal election, defeating incumbent councillor Donovan Timmers in the inner-city Daniel McIntyre ward. He was considered to be a "swing vote" on council during his first term. He described himself as a progressive, although he supported the council's conservative faction on key matters in return for their support on issues of concern to his ward. He was appointed as chair of the civic protection, parks and culture committee in October 1993.
Late in 1993, Silva provided crucial support on council for the construction of a bridge in Charleswood. He supported an early to community policing in the same period, and expressed concerns about the use of pepper spray by city police. He later called for a comprehensive review of the city's police force, after four officers were charged with corruption. Silva also suggested that Winnipeg consider "tasteful" advertising on police cruisers and ambulances as a means of generating revenue.
As the representative of an inner-city ward, Silva was frequently involved in debates about urban renewal. He opposed a private-sector core renewal project in 1995, arguing that it would provide financial benefits to the city and province but would do nothing to help the area targeted for improvement. Silva initially opposed public financing for a new area that was proposed by the Manitoba Entertainment Complex in 1994, as a means of keeping the Winnipeg Jets hockey franchise in the city. He later changed his position, and indicated that he would support a plan to fund the arena. The plan was ultimately unsuccessful, and the Jets left the city.
Silva supported the extension of same-sex benefits to municipal workers in 1994.
He was asked to run for the Manitoba Liberal Party in the 1995 provincial election, but declined.
Read more about this topic: Amaro Silva
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