Manetta focuses on bipartisan governance
October 09, 2025
By CAROLYN JAMES
In an era of national polarization, Babylon Councilman Anthony Manetta says he has found success by doing the opposite: keeping the focus on the hyperlocal.
Manetta, who holds endorsements from the Democratic, Republican and Conservative parties, called that support a reflection of his approach.
“For me, I’ve really focused on building relationships that are best for the taxpayers and residents,” Manetta said. “We’ve been very successful at putting aside divisive national politics and working together.”
That collaboration extends across the Town of Babylon and its villages, where Manetta said bipartisan cooperation is essential. “Everybody needs to work together because we’re really like one unit,” he said. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could get that at the state and national level as well?” Championing small business
A small business owner himself, Manetta runs Standard Advisors, a communications firm. When he joined the Town Board eight years ago, he made supporting local businesses a top priority.
He founded the town’s Small Business Committee and now chairs it, joining counterparts who lead committees on veterans, public safety and parks. The goal, he said, was to send a message: “The town is here to support you and help provide resources in order for you to grow.”
He also launched the Babylon Chamber Collaborative, a network that brings chamber presidents together to share ideas, coordinate events and strengthen connections. “It’s a way to build relationships instead of working in isolation,” Manetta said.
The town has also hosted resource events featuring the Small Business Administration, state representatives, utilities and lenders to help businesses access capital. Those programs proved especially critical during the pandemic, when rules and regulations changed rapidly and businesses struggled to survive.
“Business owners truly needed to be resilient,” Manetta said. “We did everything we could — from virtual check-ins with chambers to promoting businesses that shifted to online sales or outdoor dining.” Building a workforce pipeline
Looking ahead, Manetta said workforce development will be a major focus if he is re-elected. He wants to expand opportunities for high school students and recent graduates to enter trades and technical fields.
“There’s been a stigma around careers in carpentry, mechanics, welding and other trades,” Manetta said. “But these are essential jobs for Long Island’s economy, and they provide great salaries and stability.”
He pointed to a recent career fair at Deer Park High School as an example of progress. Contractors, unions and employers met with students to discuss opportunities in the trades.
“If we don’t fill these roles as baby boomers retire, we’re going to face a big problem,” he said. “It’s time to bring back programs in high schools that connect students directly to job opportunities.”
Manetta, a father of three — Allie, Cara and Natalie — and husband to Emily, said family life keeps him grounded even as he takes on townwide responsibilities.
His civic service extends beyond Town Hall. He runs food drives throughout the year to support local pantries, which he said are often stretched thin.
“Many times the shelves are empty,” he said. “For us, being able to use our voice and resources to gather donations makes a huge impact.”
Election Day is Tues., Nov. 4. Early voting is from Oct. 25 to Nov. 2.
For more information on voting including early voting and absentee ballots call the Board of Elections at 631 852-4500 or go to: suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/ BOE
