Yonkers City Councilman Anthony Merante, left, with members of the Homefield Association
On June 11, Councilmember Merante presented a $ 500 check to the Homefield Association at their monthly meeting. The Homefield Association is a community group that serves the Homefield section of Yonkers. In addition to having a community center they also sponsor various activities throughout the year for the families of the Homefield community.
When the Yonkers City Council voted to give themselves a historic 20% pay raise late last December, 6th District Councilmember Anthony J. Merante VOTED NO. Merante vehemently objected to this pay raise which he felt was unwarranted for a part-time job. Merante. a Certified Public Accountant said ” The Council should not vote for salary increases for itself, only for future elected officials. He quipped to his current colleagues and to those potentially seeking office , “if you don’t like the salary, then don’t run for the office”. Merante is the only Yonkers Councilmember to refuse a City funded car and free gas, This too he felt was a needless expense being charged to taxpayers.
Merante has now embarked on a “Give Back Program”. He will be donating a portion of the recent raise back to local organizations. Merante said, “ I wanted to help those who are helping others in the community. This program will continue throughout my time in office. The Council job should be about serving the public and not serving oneself. My mantra has always been “It’s All About You” the people of Yonkers.”
