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

From Email: UCLA Recognition

I attended graduate school at UCLA 1971-73., receiving a Master’s Degree in Architecture and Urban Design. Having just left the Army the previous year, I used the GI Bill to pay for it, and Shirley worked to support us.   In 1973, I also founded Interactive...

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From Email: Sunday Music gathering

  From: Steve Seskin <seskinmusic@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, October 2, 2025 2:30 PM To: Steve Seskin <seskinmusic@gmail.com>; Ellen Seskin <ejseskin1@gmail.com> Subject: Sunday Music gathering   Hi everyone,  The last two Sunday music...

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From Email: Jim Levine

Jim Levine, who was the front person for the proposed Point Molate development for over 20 years recently and unexpectantly died.  Jim was manager of Upstream Point Molate LLC, from 2004 until the developable portion was sold to Point Molate Futures, LLC., a...

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