Questionnaire: Tom McMahon, Candidate for Pompano Beach City Commission District 3

Name: Tom McMahon

Campaign website: Tom4Pompano.com

Date and place of birth: 1981 Fort Lauderdale

List the three most important problems in your community, in order of importance. Also briefly explain what you would do about each problem.

Below is a list of the top three issues I hear from residents.

1. Traffic concerns

By encouraging the use of public transportation and expanding our micro-transit options like the Circuit, we can improve traffic conditions. We need to build stronger relationships with our county officials to ensure we are proactive in traffic signal timing and use the most advanced technologies to help keep traffic flowing in our city. Additionally, we need to ensure that any new development does not negatively impact road conditions in our city.

2. Safety and security, including homelessness

While I was in office, we successfully implemented both the Real-Time Crime Center and the Community Court to help with the homelessness epidemic. Along with these resources and the addition of more officers, we are working to better understand the needs. As we look to the future, we must prioritize proactive measures to prevent homelessness and address its root causes. This includes investing in affordable housing options, providing job training and educational opportunities, and supporting mental health services.

To ensure the safety of our residents, we must also address issues such as gun violence and crime. By working closely with law enforcement and community organizations, we can develop effective strategies to reduce crime rates and keep our streets safe.

3.Developments

Pompano Beach takes a proactive approach to infrastructure. Our Utilities Department continually assesses and improves underground issues, while our Planning and Zoning Department works diligently to stay ahead of the curve and ensure that approved developments are sensible and within zoning regulations. Our Zoning Board works diligently to evaluate each proposal and make recommendations that are in the best interests of residents.

Elected officials play a critical role in being impartial about proposed projects and making decisions based on the greater good of our community. As our city continues to grow, it is important to find a balance between moving forward and preserving the character of our neighborhoods.

Violent crime in the Northwest is a major problem. Sheriff Gregory Tony targeted gangs and blamed the lack of opportunities for youth. Do you agree or disagree, and is Pompano Beach safe enough?

Sheriff Gregory Tony’s efforts to combat gang-related crime in the Northwest have had a significant impact on reducing criminal activity in the area. While progress has been made, continued efforts are essential to further improve the safety of residents. Sheriff Tony’s success is not limited to his own department. The city as a whole has also invested in new infrastructure and technology to improve safety. This includes installing streetlights in high-crime areas, implementing License Plate Recognition Systems (LPRS) to track suspicious vehicles, and increasing surveillance with cameras strategically placed throughout the city. By focusing on youth programs and providing opportunities for at-risk youth, they can be prevented from turning to criminal activity. By focusing on education, job training, and mentorship programs, the city can help keep youth away from gangs and on the path to a better future. I agree that Pompano Beach is safer than it has been in the past, but more needs to be done.

Pompano Beach is a “hot” destination. The city has revised its development codes to guide future growth. Do you believe this growth is good or bad for the city, and how well is it managing it?

I believe that growth has proven to make Pompano Beach safer and more economically sustainable. That said, we must maintain a balance and work to ensure that the unique character of Pompano Beach shines through in new developments. The city’s revised development codes have taken our requirements to the next level, ensuring that developments are not just average, but truly add value to our community.

An example of this code change is our requirements for parking garages. In Pompano, you can’t just build your average garage. Pompano requires that all four sides be attractive, with heavy landscaping that blocks the view of parked vehicles. The city also makes sure that each department reviews each site plan to verify that it meets or exceeds the city’s requirements, including landscaping, design, safety, water management, traffic impacts, and more. Overall, I think it’s being managed well, but there’s always more that can be done to ensure that new developments don’t negatively impact residents, so our residents are always our top priority.

Would you support an increase in pay and benefits for elected officials in your city? Why or why not?

I am against raising salaries or benefits for city officials. As a city commissioner, you are supposed to give back to the community and be attentive to the needs of your residents. During my tenure, I have dedicated myself to this role full-time, helping residents understand and connect with local government. I propose hiring a pool manager to assist the commission in scheduling appointments and handling administrative tasks so that there is first-class customer service even when a commissioner is not available. This practice is common in neighboring cities.

What factor most differentiates you from your opponent(s) and why?

As a lifelong resident, I have witnessed our city’s remarkable transformation from a quiet town to a vibrant hub for living, working and playing. With deep roots in the community through various leadership roles and charitable endeavors, I have a strong understanding of our history and culture. As Vice President of the Pompano Beach Historical Society and President of Unity in the Community, I also serve as Vice President of Woodhouse, a residential facility for adults with intellectual disabilities. I also serve on the board of the Historic Sample-McDougald House and organize events for my family’s nonprofit, McMahon Mix and Mingle.

One of my greatest strengths is fostering relationships with colleagues and city staff. By building trust and collaboration, we have accomplished more for the people of Pompano. Recognizing that no one can know everything about city affairs, I rely on expert advice to guide planning and financial decisions. My fellow commissioners value my input on critical matters so that diverse perspectives are considered.

List in reverse chronological order the colleges and universities attended, including the number of years attended and the degrees obtained.

2022 SNHU AA in Business Administration

Please provide your work history for the past 15 years in reverse chronological order.

Work history 2004-2024

Owner and Operator at Power and Play Motorsports

Account Manager at T&M Services

Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, please provide details about the case and its resolution.

No

Have you ever been charged or convicted of a crime or misdemeanor, including a guilty verdict that was withheld? If so, list the charges, dates, and terms of the sentence.

No

Why should voters choose you over your opponent(s)?

I believe voters should look at my proven track record. When I think back on all the positive things we have accomplished during my tenure, it is truly something to be proud of. When you have a commission that works for the success of a city, you can get a lot done in a relatively short period of time. I believe Pompano has one of the best city managers a city can have. The slogan “Do Good” is taken seriously by the staff. As a city commissioner, our role is to create policy and a vision for the city. Our job is to advocate for our residents and make economically sound decisions to promote a strong economy. I ask voters for their support to return to positive change and a government that works together for the betterment of our residents. My opponent ran on one issue and told residents they could stop projects that were already underway. I am a candidate who will never promise something that I know is not reality. Honesty and integrity are what drives me.

Promises made! Promises kept!