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
Here’s an Idea
Instead of spending $300,000 on a study of relocating the Red Oak Victory, spend 2/3 of that on a state-of-the-art electric powered, 12-passenger water taxi that can shuttle passengers to multiple Richmond waterfront destinations. The water taxi could pick up...
Letter to City Council — Study for Relocation of the Red Oak Victory
Mayor Martinez and City Council Members, The Red Oak Victory is in a perfect position now, located in an historic WWII shipbuilding basin within former Kaiser Shipyard 3 adjacent to the General Warehouse and Riggers’ Loft with a Whirley Crane alongside and at...
VISITORS WELCOME — Rotary – Next Meeting Friday, April 17 | What in t
Next Club Meeting Our next meeting will take place at the Richmond Golf Club (address below) on Friday, April 17, 12:30pm. What in the Heck is Going on with US Immigration? Josh Surowitz Immigration Enforcement has grabbed major headlines...
RETRACTION) Richmond CA Planning Manager Thinks He is in Richmond VA
Well, I’ve been scammed. This is happening in several cities and counties. The email address is planning_ci.richmond.ca@usa.com, which is not a City of Richmond email address. Want to receive TOM BUTT E-FORUM delivered to your email address?...
Richmond CA Planning Manager Thinks He is in Richmond VA
To show you how out of touch Richmond’s highest-ranking planner, Avery Stark, is, he doesn’t even know where he works. The signature for his emails uses the seal of Richmond, Virginia. Sincerely, Avery Stark Planning Manager City of Richmond 450 Civic...
New fund helps Richmond families afford swim lessons – Richmond Standa
New fund helps Richmond families afford swim lessons - Richmond Standard https://richmondstandard.com/community/2026/04/10/new-scholarship-fund-helps-richmond-families-afford-swim-lessons/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=nextdoor.com&utm_campaign=nextdoor_news...