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About Tom,
The oldest of three children, Tom Redmond, was born April 8 1947 in his grandmother’s house on Solley Road in Pasadena, truly a homegrown part of the community. Tom was educated in the Anne Arundel County Public School System and graduated from Severna Park High in 1965. At the age of 20, Tom started his own business, Redmond’s Towing Service in Pasadena. Through Tom’s hard work and dedication to quality service, he turned his company into multi-million dollar a year enterprise.
As a business professional, Tom distinguished himself through his proven leadership and organizational skills. He served as President of the Maryland Auto and Truck Recyclers Association (MATRA) in 1982-1983 and was elected again in 1988-1989. Tom was elected and served as President of the Towing and Recovery Professionals of Maryland in 1990-1991.
Governor William Donald Schaefer appointed Tom to the Governors Advisory Council on Recycling in 1990.
Tom has been a member of the Pasadena Business Association (PBA) since the organization began in 1986. Tom was elected as President and served two terms in 1992-1993 and again in 2003-2004. Tom has been part of the leadership of the Pasadena Business Association by serving on the Board of Directors for all but 3 years of the PBA’s existence.(click here for info on PBA)
In 1994, Tom was elected to the Arundel County Council. While serving a 4-year term, he was able to accomplish many things for Council District 3 and the citizens of Anne Arundel County. Of note, Tom initiated and secured funds for the new Jacobsville Elementary school and for the renovations of Ft. Smallwood Elementary School. He was instrumental in the allocation of funds for the lights at Sunset Park and the parking lot relocation. His efforts led to the renovations and expansion of Hancock’s Resolution. Hancock’s Resolution is one of the oldest original stone homes in Anne Arundel County, built in 1785 it had fallen victim to age and neglect. Tom was the political force that initiated the funding for the restoration of this historical gem.
link to Hancock’s Resolution
Tom has always believed in smaller government, a pro-business climate and lower taxes. His first legislative action as Councilman was to sponsor and pass in to law Bill 19-94 repealing the County’s Boat Slip Tax. The Slip Tax had kept the county’s maritime industry at a competitive disadvantage for over 20 years. Having been on the job for just 60 days, Tom’s legislative skills and ability to collaborate resulted in repealing the tax, an accomplishment that had evaded the maritime industry for two decades.
As a Business owner and a lifelong resident of Anne Arundel County, Tom has witnessed the decline of citizen property rights. Many new and poorly crafted zoning laws create additional regulations that limit private land use. The United States Constitution guarantees certain rights of property ownership. Unfortunately, county bureaucracy often limits the rights of property owners. Inspired by this injustice, Tom along with fellow conservatives formed the group called “PROPO” a grassroots organization for Protecting Rights of Property Owners. With Tom’s leadership, this group has challenged existing and impending laws with much success. To learn more about PROPO go to www.propoaaco.com
Tom is the founder of the Annual Pasadena Thanksgiving Parade. In 1996, Tom organized the first parade and has continued as chair of the event ever since. The Pasadena Thanksgiving Parade has become the centerpiece of the community. Each year thousands come out to watch the different businesses, civic, youth groups and schools participate. Every year approximately twenty tons of food is collected and distributed to local food pantries. Sunday November 7th 2010 will be the 15th Annual Pasadena Thanksgiving Parade.
Tom’s involvement and knowledge of the community has continued to be recognized:
2006 Tom was elected to the Republican State Central Committee of Anne Arundel County.
2006 Tom was appointed by the County Executive as a member of his Transition Team.
2008 Tom was appointed by the County Executive to the Local Workforce Investment Board.
In March of 2003, Tom was stricken with cancer. Emergency surgery was performed at Baltimore Washington Medical Center. Tom was in the hospital for two weeks mostly doing hyperbaric chamber treatments. Tom under went six months of chemotherapy and forty-two radiation treatments. After going through what Tom says was the worst year of his life, Tom is a survivor and still cancer free.
Tom knows that he is very fortunate to be alive and he sees everyday as a blessing. Tom has always enjoyed helping others. As a cancer survivor, he is even more committed to improving the quality of life for his neighbors, the community, and the people of Anne Arundel County.
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