Press Release from Anthony Merante for Mayor

Yonkers, NY (Jan 28,2023) Two term, 6th District Councilmember Anthony Merante was flanked by family, friends, and supporters this morning at Mont Olympos diner as he announced his running for Mayor of the City of Yonkers. Merante is a 35-year Yonkers resident and homeowner. He is a Yonkers businessman, Anthony J. Merante CPA, PC., Co-Owner and Vice-President, Westchester Kitchen & Bath, Inc, and Four Paws Dog Grooming.

Anthony has been married for 38 years to Yolanda. They have two children, Anthony Jr. 28, Gianna 22. His children attended Yonkers Public Schools. Anthony is also a community leader. President for 12 years of the Sprain Lake Knolls Civic Association and a member for 26 years.

Merante stated in his opening remarks “Families are what make strong communities. Strong communities make a great City, for me the big question is why are people moving out of Yonkers? The answer is most no longer feel safe. They feel forgotten. They have been forgotten when it comes to basic quality of life services. That is why I stand here today and announce that I am running for Mayor of the City of Yonkers. I have not forgotten you. As a matter of fact, I hear you. I listen. I always say God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason, so we should listen twice as much as we talk.”

As a councilmember for the past 5 years Anthony Merante’s mantra has been “It’s All About You”. As mayor, Anthony is committed to tackling the “quality of life” issues which sadly have been lacking. Critical issues such as neighborhood safety, housing that is affordable for our seniors, workforce and others on modest incomes, limiting City spending, going after Albany politicians to get our rightful share of funding for our City and for our public schools, rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure such as our sewers which are constantly flooding and water pipes that are consistently breaking, repairing deteriorating roads that wreak havoc on our vehicles and green lighting only smart development that lifts our neighborhoods. Yonkers cannot flourish without a strong core infrastructure.

Anthony Merante’s knowledge and expertise as a businessman and CPA has already impacted City Hall. As the City Council budget chairman from 2020-2021, he was able to push through a 0% tax increase and deliver a budget surplus of $176 million in the fiscal year ending June 2022. Merante was the only Councilmember to “Vote No” on a Property Tax increase for fiscal year 2020/21 budget. Anthony is committed to working relentlessly to get the City’s fair share of funding from the State. Merante said “We have been locked at $108 million in City funding for over 10 years. With inflation that amount should now be at least $120 million per year.”

Merante is the ONLY councilmember who has refused a taxpayer funded City vehicle. He doesn’t believe Yonkers taxpayers should be paying for his car.

Anthony Merante has built a reputation on the Yonkers City Council for his dedication to solving his constituent problems. He’s a no nonsense, down to earth businessman who is less about making fancy speeches and more about getting results. Merante believes government is a service business and the taxpayers are the customers. Their hard-earned tax dollars fund City government, so they deserve responsiveness, respect and having their needs addressed.

Whether it’s getting a building permit, a tree trimmed, or a pothole filled these should not be frustrating experiences. The residents of Yonkers deserve a better quality of life which a mayor Merante is committed to delivering.