Dustin Silva is one of the six candidates running for a seat on the Folsom City Council this November, campaigning for the second district. As part of an effort to provide balanced and unbiased insight into each candidate, Folsom Times compiled a list of key topics and questions, many of which were submitted by residents who participated in the project. In total, more than two dozen topics were addressed by the candidates, offering voters an in-depth look at their visions and positions.
According to his responses with Folsom Times, brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the community to his campaign. Having lived in Folsom for 13 years, Silva emphasized his love for the city’s family-friendly environment and strong sense of community, which he has seen firsthand through his involvement in local sports programs. His professional background as a captain in the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office has equipped him with the leadership skills and comprehensive understanding of public safety and community development necessary to tackle Folsom’s most pressing issues. Silva’s vision for Folsom includes enhancing public safety, addressing homelessness, and fostering economic growth through business-friendly policies.
If elected, Silva plans to prioritize public safety by ensuring that the police department is fully staffed and well-resourced to meet contemporary challenges. He believes that the lack of adequate public safety resources has contributed to rising crime rates. Silva is also focused on mitigating the city’s budget shortfalls by exploring alternative strategies, such as supporting the upcoming sales tax measure, while preparing for potential shortfalls. His commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment includes streamlining regulations and promoting collaboration between government and entrepreneurs to encourage local business growth.
Additionally, Silva envisions a transparent and accountable government that listens to residents’ concerns with open lines of communication and fostering trust through engagement and informed decision-making. Below is our full Q&A with candidate Silva.
BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Q: How long have you resided in Folsom, and what do you love most about the city?
I have been a Folsom resident for 13 years, and there are many things I love about the city. The schools, parks, and recreational activities all contribute to what makes Folsom special. However, two aspects unique to Folsom stand out to me: the people who live here and the family-friendly environment.
Through my involvement with local sports programs, I have witnessed the immense time and energy residents generously volunteer to ensure our children can fully enjoy the benefits of sports. Outside of sports, the generosity of Folsom residents extends even further. Whenever there is a meaningful cause, there is never a shortage of helping hands from the community. It truly is the people who live here that make Folsom special.
Thanks to its residents, Folsom is the best place in the region to raise a family. There is rarely a day without a wholesome activity for families to enjoy.
Q: Candidates running for City Council have a variety of experiences in life and the city that they feel make them the most qualified to be on the City Council. What experiences do you bring to the table to make you the most qualified person to help lead our City?
I am uniquely qualified as a candidate for Folsom City Council. My professional journey, rooted in growing up the son of small business owners and a 25-year tenure with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, equips me with a multifaceted understanding of our community’s needs. Growing up in a family-owned business instilled in me an appreciation for the dedication and resilience required for business success. Witnessing firsthand the struggle and perseverance of small business owners has deeply shaped my perspective on economic vitality and community development.
My 25 years of experience within law enforcement spans various assignments including Patrol, Corrections, Regional Transit, K9, Narcotics, and Administration. This diverse background has given me a comprehensive understanding of crime-related challenges and the effective strategies to address them. I have extensive experience working within both the county and state governments. I have worked closely with Sacramento County Board of Supervisors members on various issues, including homelessness policy, pension reform, budgets, and funding sources. I have experience navigating governmental processes and advocating for our community’s needs.
In my current assignment, I oversee a division of over 115 employees including investigators, non-sworn, and volunteers, and manage a nearly 40 million-dollar budget while ensuring team cohesion, fiscal responsibility, and operational efficiency. I am active in the community as a coach for the Folsom Jr. Bulldogs and hold the position of Secretary on the Folsom Jr. Bulldogs board of directors. These roles highlight my commitment to mentoring our community’s youth.
Q: What motivates you most to serve on the Folsom City Council?
People have long been drawn to Folsom for the quality of life it offers. The excellent schools, parks, and natural beauty make Folsom a special place to live. However, like many other residents, I have recently noticed a decline in the amenities we all enjoy. I live near Livermore Park, and last summer, there was a stabbing there, which resulted in the park being closed for nearly half a day while the crime was investigated. This incident was the catalyst for my decision to run for city council.
As I looked deeper into the situation, I discovered that our city lacks many of the public safety resources available in surrounding jurisdictions. Our police force, for example, is staffed at levels lower than in 2008. We did not have a dedicated Homeless Outreach Team or a community prosecutor. I believe this shortage of public safety resources has directly contributed to the rise in crime and homelessness we have all witnessed.
As a captain with the Sheriff’s Office, I bring 25 years of experience and leadership, which will be invaluable in addressing these challenges on the city council.
Q: What do you feel are the top three challenges facing Folsom that need the most attention?
Folsom’s three most pressing issues are homelessness, budget shortfalls, and the extended permitting process for new businesses.
Homelessness is a complex issue that demands immediate attention. Through my extensive experience, I have identified several actionable steps that the City Council could take to positively impact this crisis.
Due to various factors, primarily slowing sales tax revenue and the looming California budget crisis the City of Folsom is confronting budgetary shortfalls. A ballot measure to increase the sales tax by one cent will be presented to voters in the November 2024 General Election. Personally, I will vote yes on this measure as a worthwhile investment in our community. However, I am also campaigning with the understanding that the measure may not pass. Therefore, I am exploring alternative strategies for the city to address the projected $5 million deficit.
Folsom government should do all that it can to promote entrepreneurship and business growth within the city. Collaboration between government and businesses is essential for economic growth and development. I am ready to implement business-friendly policies, streamline regulations, and offer incentives to create an environment conducive to business success.
These are just a few areas the city should explore to offset any deficits but collaboration and transparency will be key in implementing any changes effectively.
VISION AND GOVERNANCE
Q: What is your overall vision for the City of Folsom over the next five years?
As a city councilman, I will ensure that within five years, our Police Department is fully staffed, well-trained, and equipped to address contemporary challenges, making Folsom a city that deters crime. I will prioritize smart growth and infrastructure development that directly benefits current Folsom residents. I will work to expand economic development by enhancing policies that support small businesses and attract new industries to our community. Transparency will be a top priority, with a focus on making council meetings, decisions, and budgets easily accessible and understandable to the public.
Q: What will you bring to the table to make government work better for Folsom Residents?
Leadership. Folsom needs strong leaders who are unafraid to make decisions that benefit the city as a whole and not just special interests.
As a Sheriff’s Office Captain, I collaborate closely with the Sheriff, actively participating in the planning, prioritization, and monitoring of budget expenditures. My hands-on involvement allows me to make informed decisions to optimize resource allocation. Additionally, I oversee a division of over 100 employees. Making the tough decisions on where resources are allocated is part of my daily responsibilities.
Experience. As a Sheriff’s Captain, I have a deep understanding of the public safety challenges and homelessness issues we face. I’ve successfully led initiatives within the county to address these problems, bringing about meaningful change. As the head of the sheriff’s Government affairs committee, I have developed relationships at the county, state, and federal levels that have led to additional funding for the sheriff’s department. These are relationships that I plan to bring with me when I am elected.
Q: What has been working well with the City Council in the past year that you would like to continue? What would you change?
I was extremely happy to hear the council approved three additional positions for the Police Department and that those positions were designated as Homeless Outreach Officers. This was a good start to addressing some of the issues facing Folsom.
Q: You’re running for a seat on the city council where you’ll represent your district constituents and vote on many city-wide issues. Do you see a difference in issues affecting your district specifically, and those affecting another district that you’ll have to vote on?
I am running in District 2 but when elected I will represent the city as a whole. One area unique to District 2 is the Central Business District. This area is a major revenue generator for the city and I believe it is an area where revitalization needs to be prioritized.
Q: What can the city do to be more responsive to the public and what role will you play as a City Council member to assure that Folsom is listening to resident’s concerns and is responsive to the public?
As a councilman, I will always remember that I represent the people of Folsom, and every decision I make will be through the lens of what benefits the city’s residents. Throughout my candidacy, I have attended numerous public meetings, neighborhood events, and community gatherings, in addition to engaging with many residents one-on-one. I intend to continue this level of engagement as a councilman.
In my role as a Sheriff’s Captain, I maintain an open-door policy, regularly meeting with my employees to address their concerns, answer questions, and provide guidance.True leadership is earned through trust, not just a title. Staying grounded in this belief is essential to making selfless and thoughtful decisions.
Q: In your eyes, what is the role of the city manager in Folsom and what would you want to see in the talents and experience of an incoming city manager in Folsom?
The city manager’s role is to implement the policies set by the council. As the “CEO” of the city, leadership, vision, and integrity are essential traits I would expect from an incoming city manager. Folsom’s next city manager must lead by example, motivate staff, inspire confidence, and guide the city toward achieving its goals.
They should possess a long-term vision that goes beyond the day-to-day operations, focusing on what is best for Folsom and its residents.Ethical behavior is critical in government roles. A city manager must be honest, transparent, and accountable in managing public resources and making decisions that affect the community.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Q: Obviously, public safety is a top priority in our community – police and fire. We still have fewer police officers in Folsom than we did in 2008, fewer officers dedicated to traffic enforcement and fewer detectives. Is this a concern and what can be done about it?
Public safety is my number one concern. My top priority is to implement policies and initiatives that prioritize the safety and security of all residents. This includes investing in law enforcement resources, supporting homeless outreach/enforcement efforts, and implementing crime prevention programs founded on maintaining a high quality of life for Folsom residents and business owners.
Q: Homelessness is on the minds of a number of people. What is your assessment on this issue and what should the city be doing to address it?
Over the past several years, I have played a central role in overseeing the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office’s homeless strategy. As a lieutenant, I directly managed the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), and in my role as the Undersheriff’s Assistant, I contributed to the creation and implementation of the policies currently employed by the Sheriff’s Office to address homelessness. I have personally visited homeless camps and engaged in conversations with individuals living in them.
Any policy aimed at addressing homelessness must begin with law enforcement. The victimization rates among the homeless community are significantly higher than the California average, with the perpetrators most often being other homeless individuals. Instances of sexual assaults, domestic violence, human trafficking, theft, assaults, and drug use are unfortunately common within these communities and camps. Therefore, prioritizing the elimination of crime associated with homelessness has to be the first.
In addition to addressing major crimes within the homeless community, enforcement of laws pertaining to quality of life is essential. This includes prioritizing the enforcement of city and state ordinances related to littering, panhandling, use of public lands, environmental regulations, and public intoxication.
It is crucial for the city and law enforcement to have a comprehensive understanding of the available resources for the homeless and how these services are allocated. Once individuals in genuine need who desire assistance are identified, the city should be equipped to provide necessary support through county agencies and private organizations.
By taking a coordinated approach that involves law enforcement, social services, and community resources, we can work towards meaningful solutions to address homelessness in Sacramento County.
Q: There are many people concerned about camps in some of the woodland areas and parks. Is that a concern of yours and what can or should be done to address that?
Yes, this is a concern of mine. I have experienced several fires in the wooded areas near my home that required a response from the fire department. Fires are just one of the many risks when homelessness issues go unaddressed. A dedicated community prosecutor for Folsom would help ensure that repeat offenders of anti-camping and other ordinances are held accountable.
Q: Certainly, there are many homeless people who would be willing to get assistance. What can and should be done by the city to help those who want help?
A comprehensive understanding of the available resources for the homeless and how these services are allocated. Once individuals in genuine need who desire assistance are identified, the city should be equipped to provide necessary support through county agencies and private organizations.
Q: Proposition 36 on the November ballot seeks to increase penalties for certain drug and theft crimes, particularly involving retail theft and fentanyl. Do you support this proposition? Please explain your stance and how it relates to Folsom.
I wholeheartedly support Proposition 36. I believe that drug abuse has contributed significantly to the current homelessness crisis more than any other factor. California has weakened the justice system’s ability to hold drug offenders accountable and to encourage treatment, leading criminals to understand that there are rarely consequences for theft. Proposition 36 represents a constructive first step toward holding individuals accountable.
BUDGET AND ECONOMY
Q: What will be your budget priorities if elected, and how will you work to balance the city’s budget in the coming years?
Public safety should be the number one priority for any government. People, at the most basic level, should feel safe where they live. Coming to a balanced budget may mean that some services may have to be reduced but public safety should not be in the discussion.
Q: Measure G, on the November ballot, proposes a 1-cent sales tax to raise an estimated $29 million annually for police, fire, parks, trails, and economic development in Folsom. Do you support this measure? Explain the reasons behind your stance.
I signed the initiative to have the measure put on the ballot and I will be voting yes to pass it in November. I am looking at the added tax as an investment and the return that I will see on the $150 to $200 dollars a year that I spend is worth it to me.
Q: There has been discussion about privatizing or forming public-private partnerships for city amenities like the Aquatic Center and the Zoo. What are your thoughts on this idea?
These and similar amenities are what make Folsom special, and I believe they should be provided by the city at a reasonable cost. As a pragmatist, I think that if there is a situation where the same product can be offered at a comparable price while saving Folsom money, it would be a dereliction of our duties not to explore this option.
Q: What specific ideas do you have to strengthen the business environment and facilitate economic development in Folsom?
Collaboration between government and businesses is essential for economic growth and development. Implementing business-friendly policies, streamlining regulations, and offering incentives create an environment conducive to business success.
Investing in infrastructure is crucial for supporting businesses and attracting new ones. A well-maintained infrastructure, including transportation systems, utilities, and digital networks, enhances the area’s attractiveness for businesses and improves overall quality of life. All council members should strive to reduce unnecessary costs and regulations to businesses so they can focus on what they provide to our community.
Q: Folsom has been home to large companies like Intel and VSP, some of which have faced financial challenges and staffing reductions. Do you have any ideas for how the city could transition these large facilities if this trend continues?
Folsom is an ideal city for businesses to relocate to. One of my priorities will be to make Folsom one of the most business-friendly cities in the region. Streamlining the permitting process, limiting fees, and incentivizing businesses to move here are all areas I believe we can improve on.
Q: If major companies in Folsom continue to reduce their workforce, what ideas do you have to provide opportunities for displaced employees to remain in the Folsom community rather than relocating?
Folsom is home to many great companies. Many of these are in the technology and medical fields. Diversification of the types of businesses would help protect the city from fluctuations in specific industries and give displaced workers options for re-employment.
Q: Proposition 32, on the November ballot, would increase the minimum wage from $16 to $18 per hour by January 2026. Do you see this as beneficial or concerning, given current economic challenges? Please elaborate.
I do not support Proposition 32. California is already ranked as one of the least business-friendly states in the nation, and this measure does nothing to improve that. It discourages hiring and incentivizes companies to move toward automation and AI.
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION
Q: Many residents express concerns about traffic in Folsom. What are your ideas for improving traffic safety and congestion?
There are several specific areas in Folsom where traffic is truly bad. Additional infrastructure would help to alleviate the traffic in some of these areas and reengineering would be helpful in others. Whatever the solution an emphasis should be placed on improving vehicular rather than bike and pedestrian movement. Personal vehicles are still the number one mode of transportation for Folsom residents and their needs should not be sacrificed to force different modes of transportation.
Q: City staff has reported that just a few years ago, Folsom had the highest rating for street conditions in the region – called the Pavement Condition Index. Staff also report that we are now 3rd and sinking quickly. Recently, the city also had to reject bids for a repaving contract as they came much higher than the amount budgeted. Further, the city is only able to invest a fraction of what’s needed each year in pavement, curb, gutter and sidewalk repair. Millions more dollars are needed. Do you have any ideas on what should be done to address this problem?
There is funding available at the state and federal levels for infrastructure and road improvements. I have worked with legislators at both of these levels of government to secure funding for the Sheriff’s Office. I will bring these relationships and experiences with me to the city council and work to ensure Folsom receives its fair share of funding for these types of projects.
LAND USE, DEVELOPMENT AND PARKS
Q: The city’s General Plan has called for certain forward-thinking planning projects that are now in process – the Central Business District and the River District. Are those important to the city and why?
Both of these projects are worthwhile, and as a city, we should always seek ways to improve. The Central Business District hosts many retailers that contribute to the city’s revenue through sales tax. Currently, most shoppers visit the area for shopping and then leave. Revitalizing this district to encourage visitors to spend more time there would greatly benefit Folsom.
The River District plan capitalizes on Folsom’s natural beauty, providing greater access to nature for residents and attracting visitors from outside the city to explore and enjoy recreational opportunities.
Q: The South of 50 portion of Folsom is obviously booming and we have many new residents. How do you see the City incorporating the residents of Folsom Ranch into the whole Folsom community so we don’t have two separate areas?
I believe that, over time, the divide will lessen, and this will become less of an issue. Anything new tends to be scrutinized, including new developments. As more retail and services become available in the southern part of Folsom, the divide will naturally diminish. There is only one Folsom, and it encompasses both the north and south areas
Q: Folsom’s slogan is Distinctive by Nature, yet the city has not been able to put money into renovations in our parks and trails. Maintenance has already been significantly reduced in our parks and on our trails. What are your thoughts on that and any proposals to address these key features in our community?
Being fiscally responsible and using the available budget wisely is the key. This is how I will approach the budget regardless of whether or not Measure G passes. Prioritizing projects that benefit the city the most and tackling each issue individually, as funding becomes available is the best practice.
Q: City staff estimates that the accrued deferred maintenance costs in parks and recreation facilities is in excess of $20 million, and another $2 million just in trails. These are BIG numbers. What ideas to address this problem will you bring to the city council discussion on this topic?
As mentioned above, being fiscally responsible and using the available budget wisely is the key. This is how I will approach the budget regardless of whether or not Measure G passes. Prioritizing projects that benefit the city the most and tackling each issue individually, as funding becomes available is the best practice.
Q: With Folsom’s growing need for schools, the city has been working with Rancho Cordova, the School Board, and developers to discuss options, particularly concerning rising costs. As a councilmember, what do you believe is the best plan for addressing school needs, student welfare, and school safety in Folsom?
I plan to work closely with the school board to ensure that Folsom receives the new schools it is entitled to and that our children continue to receive the high-quality education we expect. I am also a strong supporter of the School Resource Officer program and believe we must do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our children while they are at school.
Q: Additional topic: If there is something you feel is important regarding an issue we haven’t asked about, please share
Folsom is a growing city that will need strong leadership to navigate the challenges of the coming years. My experience in management, budgeting, and public safety is unmatched in this race, and I look forward to serving the residents of Folsom.
LOOKING AHEAD AND BEYOND ELECTION DAY
Q. In the event that you are not elected, do you expect to remain involved in city affairs? If so, in what capacity?
As I have said before, I love this city and the people who live here. I will always do what can to ensure that Folsom remains the special place that it is.
Q: If a voter has not learned enough about you here, what is the best way for them to meet you or learn more?
Website: www.SilvaForFolsom.com. Facebook: Silva for Folsom City Council
