Tom's Philosophy

As No. 7 in a line-up that would culminate officially with eight LaBonge boys, Tom learned the necessity of pitching in readily, frequently, and passionately. His chores often brought him into communal spaces with neighbors, as he was tasked to sweep the street “up to the Fitzpatricks and down to the Wongs,” giving him an early and firm sense of doing your part even when a certain task seems like it’s “not your job.”

 

Tom also was in charge of putting out garbage cans on trash day every Thursday, which gave him the opportunity to connect with his local sanitation workers. This childhood experience catalyzed a lifelong appreciation for the crews who keep cities functioning, clean, and thriving.

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Jumping Into Public Service

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Come early adulthood, Tom got his first true taste of city service by joining Mayor Tom Bradley’s Youth Advisory Council, which put him back into the space of the department that had first inspired him — Sanitation. His time spent here would be the beginning of an active 39.6-year career in the public sector.

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After serving on the youth council, Tom would first go to work as a field deputy for Councilwoman Peggy Stevenson, and then eventually for Council President John Ferraro, in whose office Tom would serve for fifteen years, a position that continually connected him with people all over the City who could—and happily would—share their ideas, fears, concerns, and musings on Los Angeles and what its political leaders needed to do for the well-being of their constituents. These interactions cemented a strong idea in Tom’s head: making the choices necessary to support the city meant being elected to public office.

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The Third Quarter

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In 1993, Tom got his first chance to campaign for the Thirteenth Council District’s open seat, a race in which he would ultimately come in second behind Jackie Goldberg. Following his loss, Tom sought to stay in public service, but in new territory this time: the Mayor’s office. Joining Mayor Richard Riordan’s staff gave Tom an even broader perspective on the City’s needs and further strengthened his steadfast sense of civic duty.

 

Once Riordan’s terms completed in 2000, Tom went to work for the Department of Water and Power as Director of Government Relations. Just one year later, he would get another opportunity to run for office, this time in a special election for Council District Four following the passing of Council President John Ferraro. He would go on to win this special election and three regular terms following, and each choice he made was informed by the works of Bradley, Stevenson, Ferraro, and Riordan before him.

 

Serving under these civic giants through the late 1980s and 1990s would create the foundation of Tom’s professional knowledge of and commitment to the City of Los Angeles.

 

Tom retired as a councilmember on June 30, 2015 after 13.5 years in public office. Following retirement, Tom remained very active in his community, beginning each day hiking in his beloved Griffith Park, a rite of self and social connection that he had practiced since his time starting under Bradley.

 

On January 7, 2021, Tom unexpectedly passed away at home in his sleep, leaving behind his wife Brigid and their children Mary-Cate and Charles. The four of them had been quarantining together for the nine months before Tom’s death, what he lovingly called “bonus time.”