Stockton Mayor: 'I Won't Be A Robot And Fall In Line'

STOCKTON (CBS13) — Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva is reversing course on a statement he made at a city council meeting on Tuesday.

"I'm going to come out just fine, because I didn't record anything."

An about-face from Silva on Thursday, saying despite claims, he never secretly recorded a conversation he had with City Manager Bob Deis.

"It was the heat of the moment of a 4-, 4-and-a-half-hour meeting. I was tired, I was upset, and I wanted the city manager to tell the truth, so I said what I said. I'm sorry, and I hope we can move forward."

The two have been at odds almost since Silva took office six months ago over a list of political issues, including public safety and finances.

Deis spoke out on Wednesday, saying, "He has undermined me."

Silva's response, "I'll try even harder while he's still here to get along with him. I'm just telling you it's very, very difficult, you have my word on that."

Silva instead insists he has been the target of political bullying.

"It's been difficult for me and my family over the past six months, just because I won't be a robot and fall in line."

As a political rookie, Silva has been caught up in allegations, including abusing his position during a recent Boys & Girls Club carnival by shutting down a road without a permit. Silva is the CEO of the group.

He says as mayor, he only has one motive: To serve voters.

"They could put another robot into office, or they could put someone that wasn't afraid to get crapped on a little bit and fight for them, and that's exactly what they're getting."