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
Egregious Violations of Campaign Laws by RPA Candidates.
Believing themselves righteously above the law, RPA candidates continue to flout State of California campaign laws with impudence, knowing that officials in charge of enforcing the laws will take no action. When the illegal campaign piece shown below was brought to...
Claudia Jimemez and ROCK Employees Violate Campaigning in Uniform Proh
Councilmember and mayoral candidate Claudia Jimenez recently posted a photo on her official mayoral campaign Facebook page depicting three ROCK employees in uniform, posing with her in what appears to be a campaign context. The post can be found at:...
VISITORS WELCOME Rotary – Next Meeting Friday, May 29, 2026 | BARSHEEP
Next Club Meeting Our next meeting will take place at the Richmond Golf Club (address below) on Friday, May 29, 12:30pm. BARSHEEP City Trees Project Ed Church Berkeley Rotary President Elect We want to reduce the Urban Heat Island effect,...
Do We Really Want Democratic Socialists Running Richmond?
Vote for Mayor: Ahmad Anderson, City Council: Brandon Evans and Soheila Bana. A common thread that runs through candidates Claudia Jimenez, Eduardo Martinez and Jamin Purcell is their affiliation with, support of, and support by the Democratic Socialists of...
Remembering Richmond’s Vietnam Losses this Memorial Day 2026
Memorial Day is a federal holiday for remembering and honoring the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May. It is also considered to be the unofficial beginning of summer....
Ahmad Anderson is the Only Candidate Who Answered My 21 Questions
1. How would you allocate the $550 million Chevron settlement funds? I would not treat those dollars like a one-time spending spree. I would allocate them with discipline, transparency, and a clear public return. First, I would stabilize Richmond’s core...