Anthony Merante never imagined a career in politics. A Certified Public Accountant with a thriving local practice and a kitchen and bath business. His professional life already seemed more than full. But in Yonkers, where he has lived for nearly four decades, civic duty kept tugging at him.
“It really started when my kids were in school,” Merante recalled in a recent interview with Yonkers Rising. “I was concerned about the quality of their education, so I became very active in the PTA at School 8 — the Patricia A. DiChiaro School. Over more than a decade, I came to understand the budgetary struggles our public schools face.”
As a new homeowner, he also joined the Sprain Lake Knolls Civic Association, eventually becoming its president. That role deepened his connection to the city’s civic life. “Over the years I’ve been active with many local charities and organizations, including the Yonkers Columbus Day Committee, the Enrico Fermi Scholarship Fund, and the First Precinct Community Council,” he said. “For me, it’s always been about lending a hand wherever I could.” Often, that meant applying his accountant’s skills to keep community organizations on solid financial ground.
Politics entered his life almost by accident. Through the civic association, Merante met Richard Barbato, the husband of soon to be Councilwoman Dee Barbato. Mr. Barbato encouraged him to become a 10th Ward district leader, and later ward leader. “That role got me involved with City Hall and gave me insight into how government really works,” he said.
Neighbors soon pressed him to run for office himself. “People would say, ‘Anthony, you do so much for others — you should run for City Council. We need someone to protect our community and be a voice for the little guy,’” Merante recalled. “They told me too many politicians once elected look out only for themselves, and not for us.”
He ran, he won, and for eight years he has represented Yonkers’ 6th District.
“My guiding principle has always been to do what’s right for the people I represent,” Merante said. “I’ve brought my business ethics of customer service into public service because taxpayers deserve to have their needs addressed. Whether it’s a road that needs paving, a tree that needs cutting, or a safety issue that requires attention, I make it a priority to listen.
“I’ve always believed God gave us two ears and one mouth so we should listen twice as much as we talk. I’m not about lofty promises or empty speeches — I’m a doer. I work hard every day to get results for the residents of the 6th District.”
Merante’s independent streak has sometimes put him at odds with the administration. “My principled votes haven’t always made me popular,” he acknowledged. “In fact, City Hall would be happy to see me gone — which is why they handpicked a loyalist to run against me.”
The tension grew after the administration terminated his longtime City Hall assistant, a veteran staffer who had served other councilmembers before him. “It was a clear attempt to cripple my ability to serve constituents,” Merante said. “But it didn’t stop me. I hired my own assistant at my campaign office and pay her out of my own pocket, because serving the people of the 6th District comes first.”
“The truth is simple,” Merante said. “The administration wants another ‘yes man’ on the City Council. But that’s not me. I will never be a rubber stamp.”
Despite a cordial relationship with Mayor Mike Spano, Merante has not shied away from opposing him. “I personally like the Mayor, and we’ve always had a congenial relationship,” he said. “But my votes have often put me at odds with his administration.”
Merante opposed extending term limits to allow a fourth term for the Mayor and Council — and says he won’t support a rumored fifth. He was also the only Councilmember to vote against what he called “outrageous” pay raises for the Mayor and Council. “How can you raise taxes on Yonkers homeowners and then give yourself a raise?” he asked. “I told my colleagues: you knew what the salary was when you ran. If you didn’t like it, you shouldn’t have run.”
To underscore his point, he donates his own raise back to community groups in the 6th District.
Merante is quick to point out what sets him apart. “The administration and developers have no hooks in me,” he said. “I have no immediate family members on the city payroll, and since being elected I’ve refused the City car and free gas that councilmembers are provided at taxpayers’ expense. I said, ‘No thank you — I’ll drive my own car.’ I also don’t take campaign contributions from developers. That way, I can vote freely, without pressure from special interests — always putting the people of Yonkers first.”
His four consecutive ‘no’ votes on city budgets — which he says were loaded with ‘exorbitant’ property tax hikes totaling 15% — underscore that independence. “Yonkers is facing an affordability crisis,” he added. “Seniors and residents on fixed incomes are being driven out of our city. Even many of our government employees can’t afford to live here anymore — they’ve been forced to move up-county or beyond.
“Yonkers needs affordable rents, not more luxury high-rises on the waterfront. When property taxes go up, landlords raise rents, and working families pay the price. Young couples, where both husband and wife are working, depend on grandparents to help with childcare — especially now, with daycare costs hitting record highs. We need policies that support long-time Yonkers families.”
If there is a through line to Merante’s political career, it is the test he says he applies to every decision.
“I’ve always supported our Capital Budgets that rebuild and strengthen the city,” he said. “I’ll always stand with the men and women who protect us, and with the teachers who guide our children’s education. And I’ll support any operating budget that is fair and doesn’t overburden taxpayers.
“At the end of the day, I’m guided by one simple question: Is this right for the people of Yonkers? I will never cast a vote just to go along or for political expediency. Nobody owns me — I answer to one boss only: the residents of the 6th District.
