California mayor dons medieval armor in dramatic pitch to reduce city's soaring crime rate



The mayor of Stockton, California is hoping to turn around one of the most crime-ridden, bankrupt cities in the nation with a bit of medieval flare.

In his first 'State of the City' address on Thursday, Mayor Anthony Silva, a Republican, spoke to a crowd of hundreds about his controversial plans to raise taxes and hire more police officers.

Toward the end of his hour-long speech, he reached under his podium and retrieved a helmet and spiked club.



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In costume: In his first 'State of the City' address on Thursday, Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva, a Republican, spoke to a crowd of hundreds about his controversial plans to raise taxes and hire more police officers

'Who's willing?:' The mayor challenged the crowd to 'stand up.. and fight' for Stockton

Support: The crowd stood and cheered as the mayor asked them to stand up and fight

Pulling the helmet over his head, he challenged the crowd, 'Who’s willing to fight for Stockton?'

A few dozen people cheered.

Raising the club in the air, he asked again, 'Who's willing? If you are willing, stand up and show me you are willing to fight for the city.' The room erupted into applause as people rose to their feet and cheered.





Elected:Silva was elected in November and took office in January, just as the city, which has a population of 300,000, was filing for bankruptcy

But not everyone was feeling revved up by Silva's medieval tactics.

Namely Robert Deis, the city manager and Silva's staunchest political opponent, had little praise for the mayor after his remarks.

In an interview with KXTV , he said he firmly believes Silva's plan to raise sales taxes won't get passed by the city council.



Silva was elected in November and took office in January, just as the city, which has a population of 300,000, was filing for bankruptcy.

At the time, the city had also just finished one of its most violent years on record. Stockton is located about 50 miles south of Sacramento and 70 miles east of Oakland.

In 2012, the city was ranked the tenth most dangerous city in America, as well as the third most illiterate city, with only one in every five adults having a college degree.

Silva says he's determined to lower the crime rate.

'The City of Stockton is broke,' Silva said. 'We can be a broke city that's safe, or a broke city that's unsafe. You decide.'



'The City of Stockton is broke,' Silva said. 'We can be a broke city that's safe, or a broke city that's unsafe. You decide'

Violent: When Silva, right, took office, the city had also just finished one of its most violent years on record



