Thomas J. McGarrigle

Tom McGarrigle has served on Delaware County Council for four years, having been elected to his first term on Council in November, 2007.

Councilman McGarrigle is the successful owner of a small business in Delaware County, with extensive managerial and business expertise. He brings his business experience to county government, which helps County Council provide services in an effective, cost-efficient manner, holding the line on taxes.

Mr. McGarrigle is Council’s liaison to the Department of Human Services, which is the umbrella organization responsible for the delivery of important services to residents with special needs, including children, youth, adults and families. The Human Services Department, based in Upper Darby, encompasses the Office of Intellectual Disabilities, Children and Youth Services, Office of Behavioral Health, Adult Services and Child Care Information Services.

His areas of responsibility on County Council include the Office of Employment and Training, the Treasurer, George Hill Correctional Facility, Insurance and Risk Management, the Records Center, Heritage Commission, Board of Assessment Appeals, Retirement Board, Community Transit and the Workforce Investment Board.

Mr. McGarrigle worked with the Office of Employment and Training to sponsor a Job Fair to assist residents faced with unemployment during challenging economic times.

In partnership with the Heritage Commission, he joins Council in recognizing the efforts of community groups and individuals who preserve the County’s historic treasures. Every May, he joins the Heritage Commission in presenting Preservation Awards. One recent example of historic preservation is the restoration of the Rose Tree Tavern, which reopens this year as the home for the Brandywine Visitors and Convention Bureau.

In the area of Community Transit, he led Council’s efforts in working with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Association (SEPTA) in securing stimulus funding to undertake improvements in the county’s public transit system. He also participates each May in the County’s Bike to Work Day, riding his bicycle from Springfield to the Government Center in Media.

A staunch supporter of law enforcement and emergency responders, Councilman McGarrigle is the Honorary Game Chairman of the Delaware County Hero Bowl, held each June to benefit the Hero Scholarship Fund, which provides educational scholarships for the children of police and firefighters who died in the line of duty.

Councilman McGarrigle co-founded the annual Run for Heroes, which also benefits for the Hero Scholarship Fund.

Mr. McGarrigle has been involved in public service at the municipal level for many years and is the past vice president of the Springfield Township Board of Commissioners.

He is a member of the Springfield Lions and the Greater Springfield Business Association.

Tom McGarrigle and John McBlain at the 2011 Rotary Fair