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Vacaville council elects Michael Silva as vice mayor after brief contest
Summary
After nominations from multiple councilmembers and a roll‑call vote, the Vacaville City Council selected Michael Silva as vice mayor for 2026. The vote followed a debate about past practice and whether holding the title while campaigning creates conflicts.
The Vacaville City Council on Jan. 13 elected Councilmember Michael Silva to serve as vice mayor for 2026 after a contested nomination and roll‑call vote.
The council considered two nominations. Royce Stockton nominated Councilmember Ted/Freeman (first motion), which failed on a roll‑call vote. The council then voted on a second nomination for Michael Silva. After members discussed the time demands of the role and expressed differing views about the practice of appointing members who may be running for other office, the nomination for Silva carried on the second roll call.
Supporters of Silva cited his community engagement and experience on multiple committees, while opponents raised concerns that serving as vice mayor could be used for campaign visibility. Councilmember Ritchie described recent debates about an informal practice he called the "Nolan rule," saying the council should re‑examine any informal customs that constrain member participation. Silva told the council he would dedicate the time required: "I would be honored to serve ... I would serve at the pleasure of the city and of the entire council." (Councilmember Michael Silva).
Mayor John Carley and councilmembers noted that the vice mayor role is a short‑term rotating assignment rather than an at‑large elected office and reminded colleagues that there is no formal policy requiring someone to step down if they announce a campaign. City staff also reminded councilmembers that certain appointments require filing Form 700 financial disclosures.
The final roll call on Silva’s appointment recorded votes in favor from Councilmembers Ritchie, Silva, Wiley and Chapman; votes against from Fremont, Stockton and Mayor Carley. Silva will assume the alternate and primary duties assigned to the vice mayor role and will be responsible for committee filings as appropriate.
Councilmembers said the chamber will monitor committee workloads and pursue adjustments if the vice mayor’s outside commitments affect attendance. The council also reviewed a bundle of committee and regional appointments and confirmed alternates for bodies including the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Solano County Water Authority and the Yolo‑Solano Air Quality Management District.
The council moved to the evening’s remaining business after Silva’s election.
