Biography
McMahon was born in Rochester, New York. He graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in engineering. McMahon then obtained a master's degree in engineering with a minor in political science fromPolitical stances
On July 16, 2006 Mayor McMahon, while attending the 3rd annual International Latin Festival at Reading's City Park, voiced his disapproval ofMajor systems grant program
On July 25, 2006 Mayor Tom McMahon announced the awarding of the first grant in the City of Reading's in City Hall. The program, a joint venture between the City of Reading's Community Development Department and the Berks County Office of Aging provides grants to senior citizens who are residents and homeowners who are having difficulty providing new major systems for their properties. Major systems are defined as roofing, plumbing and heating systems, chimney repairs, and upgraded electrical systems at the source. The first award has been given in the amount of $2200.00 to a local senior homeowner who had a major plumbing issue. Barbara Coffin, Executive Director of the Berks County Office of Aging stated that "I am delighted that the Office of Aging has been invited to be the conduit for the City's Major System Grant Program. It is a benefit to be able to provide much needed assistance to our seniors in the community when a major systems failure happens in their housing that they cannot afford." The Agency has recently had forty two applications to the program and Coffin is pleased to see that the program is moving and that eligible applicants are now benefiting. The Major Systems Grant is a conditional grant program which is reduced yearly by owner residency in the property for a period of ten years. To be eligible for the MSGP, one must be 65 or older, own and reside in their home. Taxes must be up to date and home insurance must be verifiable. This was a recommendation which came out of the Mayor's Task Force on Housing to continue the Administration's goal to improve housing stock in the City of Reading. "The Major Systems Grant Program is yet another way to enhance and improve the quality of life for our residents and I am pleased that the Community Development team is continuing their dedication to our seniors with this program."City of Reading, Pennsylvania - Office of the Mayor - Press Releases - Senior Citizen Grants ProgramTechnology use
Mayor Tom McMahon has what he considers to be a big vision for Reading, including ubiquitous wifi, Internet at the Pagoda. Mr. McMahon shared some elements of this vision on Berks TV during the first of a 2 part series. A blogger himself, Mr. McMahon also talked about his blog-reading habits and how he uses the Internet for research as part of his job as mayor. He also says he will watch the occasional news video via the web.Reading, PA’s Blogging Mayor Tom McMahon, Part Two » Berks.TVVideo surveillance
On March 9, 2007, Mayor Tom McMahon discussed how installing video surveillance in downtown could curb crime during his broadcast on From WEEU's monthly series "Ask the Mayor" on "Feedback" with Mike Faust.Vehicle theft prevention initiative
Mayor McMahon organized a Greater Reading VIN etching event on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at the Fairgrounds Square Mall, just north of Reading. Vehicle thefts have been a problem in the Reading area and this program is designed to help prevent vehicle theft by permanently etching the Vehicle Identification Number on the window glass, making the car harder to sell if stolen. A decal program was also carried out, called HEAT (Help Eliminate Auto Theft) where the vehicle owner gives permission for any law enforcement officer to stop the vehicle and ask for driver identification if it is on the road between the hours of 1:00 am to 5:00 am.Sewer fund controversy
On May 18, 2010, Mayor Tom McMahon became the center of attention involving a controversy where his administration transferred $11.0 Million Dollars from the public sewer fund to the general fund, an apparent violation of a consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice limiting such transfers to no more than $3 million annually. McMahon has consistently denied advance knowledge of the transfer. A subsequent investigation by city council resulted in no information challenging McMahon's position.http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=313100 Reading Sewer ScandalNotes
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