Medley Councilman Gerardo Silva Jr.
went ham on his town-issued credit card, racking up more than $2,500
in personal charges since he took office in November 2010. His
purchases included $500 in discounted suits, a $688 iPad2 with a $80
case and keyboard, and $230 shoes from Nordstrom. Silva also used
town funds to buy an $800 high-definition projector and $70 laser
remote for the device.
wrong with his spending spree since the town allots him and his
colleague an $800 clothing allowance and that his electronics
purchases were all approved by the mayor. His opponents "are making a
big deal about it because it is an election year," Silva says. "It
is a targeted attack on me because I don't go along with everything
the town council does."
Since taking office, Silva has been a vocal critic of the way Vice Mayor Jack Morrow and his other colleagues conduct the town's business. He's demanded an audit on the construction of the new town hall, which he claims has offices "that look like presidential suites."
Quin, who voted for Silva, sent copies of his credit card receipts to the other council members, who on Wednesday voted to cancel all their credit cards and require council approval for any expense reimbursements requested by them. Silva was the lone no vote.
