Tom Butt
Architect, Recovered Politician, Historic Preservationist and Author
This web page started as a political campaign resource in the early 1990s. After 28 years on the Richmond City Council and eight years as elected mayor, I termed out in 2023, having served longer continuously than anyone in Richmond history. I have now reverted full-time to the architectural profession.
I started the blog TOM BUTT E-FORUM in 2000 to fill in the gaps and misinformation from traditional journalism. Although I have transitioned away from the predominantly community and political content , I have continued the E-FORUM, and the Archives are probably the best resource available for Richmond political history 2000 – 2023.
Latest E-FORUM Articles
BIG CORRECTION — Public Comments – Agenda Item O-1 — Contract With L
For reasons that I can’t explain, I erroneously stated that Alternative C was the plan selected by the National Park Service for Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park in the General Management Plan. In fact, it was Alternative B. I have...
Trump Threatens to Gut Kennedy Center
Trump’s latest outrageous threat is to gut and reconstruct the Kennedy Center -- after adding his name to it. President Donald Trump on Monday elaborated on his plan to close the Kennedy Center and rebuild it, saying that the steel would be "fully...
VISITORS WELCOME — Next Rotary Meeting Friday, February 6, 2026
Next Club Meeting Our next meeting will take place at the Richmond Golf Club (address below) on Friday, February 6, 12:30pm. Our Guatemala Adventure Grier Graff Grier Graff and his supporting crew will present "Our Guatemala Adventure."...
Public Comments – Agenda Item O-1 — Contract With Liftech Consultants
I sent this to the City Council today: Spending $300,000 to provide a design and cost estimate to build a new dock for the SS Red Oak Victory is a bad idea and a profound waste of money that could be better spent maintaining the SS Red Oak Victory, which is...
White House Ballroom Project
Amid the ICE murders in Minneapolis and other Trump chaos, the White House ballroom has almost become yesterday’s news, but the fight goes on. There is some optimism over the National Trust for Historic Preservation lawsuit where the judge has signaled...
Planning Commission to Consider Marina Point on February 5
Following a punt by the Design Review Board, the Planning Commission will take up consideration of the horrible Marina Point Project. (https://www.grandviewindependent.com/richmond-planning-commission-to-review-222-new-housing-units-across-three-sites/) Item 3...