About Chris Basista
Overview
- Chris Basista is a lifelong, 4th generation Manville resident.
- His parents are Eugene & Susan Basista (Zamorski).
- Holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration.
- Started his first online marketing business in the year 2000 -- while in High School -- and continues to operate it today.
- Launched an online dance hits radio station in 2008, which was nominated for several music industry awards over the years.
- Founded Manville.Today -- where residents can learn about actions taken at Manville's Council meetings, as well as reporting on community topics of interest, in a non-biased manner.
Chris' Story
I am Chris Basista, running for Manville Borough Council in 2025. You may remember me from my council candidacy last year. I, unfortunately, lost by slightly over 100 votes. I hope that in 2025, you will be able to push my candidacy over the finish line. I want to get to work for you, the Manville resident.
For those of you who don't know me, I am a 4th generation life-long Manville resident. My parents are Eugene & Susan Basista (Zamorski). Our family is deeply rooted in Manville. We've seen everything -- from the community coming together in trying times of need, to the bustling Rustic Mall which is now simply a huge vacant lot.
I want to provide you with all you need to know about me, and my accomplishments over the years. This is not an easy story to write, as I rarely talk about myself. I just do what is best. Here's a window into why I would serve Manville residents to the best of my ability.
Winning 3rd place at the state competition in 2003
I've been an entrepreneur since the year 2000, at the age of 15. While in High School, and the Internet was still in its infancy, I created an online loyalty marketing program with success. It's still in operation -- 25 years later.
In 2003, I placed 3rd in the State of New Jersey for Website Development. This was at the Future Business Leaders of America state competition, representing Manville High School. Out of all High Schools in the state, my knowledge at the time led to Manville High School being recognized. I was also President of the newly-formed Robotics Club in 2002/2003 -- Manville High placed 7th in the State of NJ!
After High School, I would go on to receive my Bachelor's degree in Telecommunications. My professors in college pushed me to pursue a Master's degree. At first, I didn't want to, as I was already self-employed, but decided to go on to obtain my Master's Degree in Business Administration.
Meeting world-renowned DJ & Producer David Guetta
Having a love for music, I had the urge to create a second business, an online digital radio station, focusing on dance hits, called "ElectricFM", which its creation was inspired by the rapid decline of a once-successful music station up in Canada. (They were sold off into a corporate entity, which caused the decline.) ElectricFM would grow in popularity worldwide. When ratings information for Internet radio was publicly available, ElectricFM was one of the Top 100 stations in the world, as well as the #1 music station on the music service Live365.
Operating as an independently owned & operated digital station shocked many "in the industry" who seen me as an outsider, and questioned the success of someone who just showed up on the scene. This was proof that if I set out a goal, I will achieve it. This humbled me, and I wanted to focus on the music and making an impact, not driving ego or having bragging rights. Egos and bragging rights are not me, or what I'm about.
Manville.Today Launches
Fast forward to early 2024. I was hearing Manville residents constantly complain about the state of the Borough of Manville. Council meetings are typically attended by the same two dozen residents. Information doesn't readily travel far outside of these meetings, as attendance is low. Residents work, and simply do not have the time to attend meetings that are held only in-person. This is completely understandable, and I came up with a solution.
Hearing residents concerns, I decided it was time to create another venture -- Manville.Today. At first, I wasn't sure how successful this venture would be, but it was realized quickly what an impact it has had on Manville residents. Manville.Today educates the public about the actions of the Mayor & Council, and what they are doing to Manville. Stories are written in a non-biased manner, and almost always is a summary of what exactly transpires at meetings.
Manville.Today was growing quickly, and in late 2024, I decided to develop an app for it so that it's easily accessible to anyone on their smartphone or tablet. In 2025, coverage has expanded to include items of community interest, from the CVS closure, to the graduation time problem at the High School, to community events.
"Rustic Mall" Still Vacant
I am running for Council to better the lives of Manville's residents. I am a resident, too. Like you, I'm annoyed opening up each year's property tax bill to realize it increased yet again.
I am frustrated with the lack of negotiation and development at the former Rustic Mall (the big vacant lot seen behind Main Street). I am frustrated with the Borough's inability to attract and retain quality long-term employees. Overall, I am not happy with the direction I see Manville moving in. It actually makes me sad to see how we are declining.
All of our surrounding towns: Somerville, Bound Brook, Bridgewater, etc., have been progressing over the past decade. Manville? Not so much. It's time we move our town forward, and make Manville an attractive place for both businesses and residents. Remember when Somerville looked horrible? It was a place you didn't want to visit. Now look how they advanced, and improved significantly. We could've been Somerville, if it wasn't for who's sitting up there in the positions of our current Mayor & Council.
Manville Borough Hall
I am running for Council to affect your life. I want to stabilize your taxes. I want residents to have their concerns and issues addressed in a timely manner. I want Manville to prosper. I want the Rustic Mall to be developed, responsibly. I want to see Manville become a town that others envy. Yes, we have our challenges, the biggest one being flooding, but with today's advancements in technology and engineering, there can be creative ways to find solutions to these problems. I am in favor of fighting with the State to get funding to raise homes, in the areas of Manville where it makes sense.
I self-teach myself anything I do not know. For example, if I do not know much about a particular topic, I will learn it. I want to know as much as I can to become knowledgeable on a subject matter. There will be new things to learn being on Council, and I'm ready for it.
From my experience managing businesses for 25 years, it's a no-brainer that I can do the same for the Borough of Manville. I know how to negotiate contracts, getting us the best deal possible. I will make sure money is spent wisely. I will cut unnecessary expenses. I will revisit contracts with vendors to ensure we're getting the best price. I will work to ensure we are planning for the future, not only from a development perspective, but an operational standpoint, too.
Here's an example. Recently, it was publicly disclosed at a Council Meeting that some of our Public Works equipment is going into a state of disrepair. This is unacceptable. Why wasn't the Mayor & Council planning to update such old and irreparable equipment years ago? Are they not thinking of the future? Where are their priorities at? Obviously in the wrong place, and obviously not prioritizing the Manville resident.
Basista & Sanchez for Council
I hope that you can consider voting for me, Chris Basista, as your next Councilman. I'm going to fight for you, address your concerns, and get the job done. If I'm on Council, and you have a concern, I want to hear it, the door is always going to be open. I'm not going to "disappear" like other people in politics do once elected.
I'll work to get you a solution. That's the job of being on Council -- solving problems not only facing the Borough, but for all of its residents, too.
Manville has been standing stagnant for far too long. We need to get this town moving in the right direction for its residents. Let's get to work, and get it done. Now.
I know that this was a long read. I hope that you've learned more about me and my work ethic, background, and how I'd apply it as a Councilman. I hope that you can consider voting for me, Christopher "Chris" Basista, in the upcoming 2025 Borough Council election, along with my running mate Stefanie Sanchez.
TL;DR: I have owned my own businesses since the year 2000, and once a goal is set, I do everything in my power to make it happen. I will apply my business sense to the Borough of Manville as a Councilman. I will work hard for you, the resident, and address your concerns. I will work to stabilize taxes, ensure proper development of Rustic, find creative solutions to flood issues, and fight to make Manville a better town that businesses and people want to come to. Vote Chris Basista (along with Stefanie Sanchez) for Manville Borough Council!