From 1963 to 1971, Silva served on the Gloucester School Committee. He served as the committee's vice-chairman for three years.[2]
In 1970, Silva was elected to the Massachusetts House of Representatives by upsetting David E. Harrison, a Gloucester Democrat who had been chosen by Senator Edward M. Kennedy to serve as Chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party. During his campaign, Silva emphasized Harrison's absentee record and his opposition to cutting the number of representatives in the Massachusetts House from 240 to 160, a proposal that Gloucester voters overwhelmingly supported.[4] During his tenure, Silva including established and chaired of the New England Committee for the 200-mile limit, filed legislation which established two ocean sanctuaries, filed legislation for the development of Gloucester Harbor, co-sponsored the "Bottle Bill," proposed the Commonwealth obtain a decommissioned US Navy ship and convert it into a minimum security prison, and introduced a bill that would make the Right whale Massachusetts' official marine mammal.[2][5][6]
While serving in the House, Silva was a director of the Gloucester Little League, Addison Gilbert Hospital, and Sawyer Free Library.[3]
From 1984 to 1988, Silva was mayor of Gloucester. During his tenure he budgeted funds for the refurbishment of Newell Stadium and reached a deal to the keep the National Marine Fisheries Service office in Gloucester.[2]
Later life and death
After leaving office, Silva served chairman of the Gloucester Fisheries Commission, was a director of the Sawyer Free Library, and was appointed by the Speaker of the House to study hazardous waste facing the shellfish industry.[2]
