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
Veterans Day 2025 – Veterans in the Family
Tomorrow is Veterans Day 2025, I am reminded of how our family has answered the call to serve for at least the last 165 years. How things have changed -- today, I am not aware of a single family member serving on active duty in the armed forces, nor do I have...
VISITORS WELCOME — Next Rotary Meeting Friday, November 14, 2025 | Fa
Next Club Meeting Our next meeting will take place at the Richmond Golf Club (address below) on Friday, November 14, 12:30pm. Families Empowered and Transformed Nain Villanueva de Lopez F.E.A.T. (Families Empowered and Transformed) is a nonprofit...
TOM BUTT E-FORIUM: Endangered Lighthouses
East Brother Lighthouse is not the only endangered lighthouse, as the article below explains. However, the nonprofit East Brother Light Station, Inc. saved the lighthouse from destruction 45 years ago and has been its steward ever since, while hosting over...
Next Rotary Meeting Friday, October 31, 2025 | Meet District Governor
Next Club Meeting Our next meeting will take place at the Richmond Golf Club (address below) on Friday, October 31, 12:30pm. Joy Alaidarous District Governor District 5160 Joy Alaidarous is honored to serve as the District Governor of Rotary...
Tax Credits Could Fund 59% of the $228 Million Port Repair Project
One very important thing missed in the presentations and reports about the projected $228 million Port of Richmond repair is that up to $46 million of the projected $228 million could be paid for with Historic Tax Credits. Previous city Councils had the foresight to...
Port of Richmond and the Whirley Crane
A long overdue Port of Richmond Study is projecting $228 million of repairs just to make the existing infrastructure minimally safe. I want to commend Port Director Charles Gerard for getting this done. Funding, however, is a real challenge since the latest...