Silva served as mayor of the City of Durango three times since 1986, and was a city councilor from 1985-97. He owned Sixth Street Liquors, Inc., from 1977-98.

He served on the board of directors for Mercy Medical Center from 1991-99, and was chairman of the board from 1998-99. He has served on the board of directors for the Bank of Durango since 1997. Additionally, he served on steering committees for Leadership La Plata and Bilingual Education.

Silva was chosen as Citizen of the Year by the Durango Area Chamber Resort Association in 1995, and received the Spirit of Santa Rita Award in 1999. He has also been recognized by the City of Durango, School District 9-R, and the Animas-La Plata Water District.

Silva, who now resides in Centennial, received his bachelor’s degree in sociology and human services from Fort Lewis College. He moved to the Board of Trustees for Fort Lewis College from the Colorado State Board for Community Colleges and Occupational Education.

He was reappointed by Colorado Governor Bill Owens to serve a second term in 2004. His term will expire Dec. 31, 2012.