Richard Silverman’s departure from the Area 2 race means there is a solid chance the Manteca City Council may have its first woman since 2020 when December rolls around.

Silverman announced Thursday that even though he filed the necessary paperwork to explore a run for the Area 2 seat and was earnestly researching his options, he decided not to run.

That leaves Judith Blumhorst and Regina Lackey as the only candidates so far. The final filing to appear on the Nov. 5 ballot isn’t until August.

Blumhorst, a Planning Commission member, has already started raising funds for her campaign.

Lackey has filed the required paperwork that is a precursor to the step  where Blumhorst is at — the submission of a form of the intent to run as mandated by state law before one can start raising money to campaign.

“After careful consideration of many factors, I have reached the decision not to run,” Silverman said. “My family obligations come first and foremost, and my family situation would preclude me giving 100% to the great citizens of Manteca. I plan on continuing to give back to the community with my volunteer activities.”

Silverman was elected to the council in 2014, He opted not to seek re-election in 2018.

Among the goals that Silverman had when he ran that he saw attained during his council tenure were:

*Manteca being very close to securing a “game changing major destination resort” with the final approval of the Great Wolf deal and issuance of the required building permits.

*The full staffing of the city’s fourth fire station on Lathrop Road west of Union Road with no brown outs.
*The deployment of community resource officers through the Manteca Police Department to make significant headway dealing with homeless issues and is now being copied by other cities across the state.
*A balanced budget, a fully-funded rainy day fund, zero general fund indebtedness and all of police officer positions being fully funded either by the general fund or Measure M monies with one-time endowment funds no longer needed.

Silverman made it clear he is backing Lackey for the Area 2 seat.

“I cannot believe how blessed Manteca is have this woman vying for, and hopefully serving on the Council,” Silverman said.  I endorse her 100%, with no reservations, for the seat. She has the youthful energy, education, integrity, and common sense that we want, that we need, in our city government. Her background is truly remarkable, and she will bring many talents to the council chambers.”

The last woman to serve on the City Council was Debby Moorhead. She served 12 years with her third term expiring in 2020.

Moorhead was the fifth woman to serve on the council in Manteca’s 106-year history.

The Nov. 5 election will be the first time an Area 2 representative per se will be elected. Candidates must live within the district and are only elected by those residing within the district.

 The district consists of Manteca south and east of the 120 Bypass and Union Road as well as the city east of Highway 99 except for The Collective neighborhood.

The city went to district elections in 2022.

Prior to that elections were at large citywide.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com