Former mayor and longtime public servant Bob Silver has announced his candidacy for mayor of the Borough of Lansford, pledging to restore transparency, accountability and trust in local government.

“We must take back our town,” Silver said. “My main intent is to guide Lansford borough back from the dark, nontransparent, subterfuge operation of the current borough council.”

Silver, who has previously served as Lansford mayor and on borough council, is running on a platform centered on open governance and law-abiding leadership.

He criticized recent actions by the council, including what he called “illegal executive sessions,” major financial decisions made without motions and improper agenda tactics used to secure appointments.

“No more Lansford borough taxpayer money goes to the freight station,” Silver added. “And, quite simply, no more lack of transparency.”

Citing a critical breakdown in public safety, Silver also called attention to the current state of the borough’s police department.

“The annual budget calls for six full-time officers and one chief,” he said. “Currently, the borough employs two full-time officers and no chief. The current council has watched as the department has been decimated.”

If elected, Silver promised to keep the public informed and engaged.

“My one promise is to keep us, the citizens, informed every step of the way,” he said. “I will have an open office two days a week for appointments.”

Silver also has served on the Carbon County Planning Commission, Lansford Borough Zoning Hearing Board, Lansford Civil Service Commission and in numerous roles with county and local nonprofit organizations.

Silver encouraged bipartisan support: “Republicans, I would appreciate your vote. Democrats, please write in Bob Silver for mayor.”