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
Ehrlichia chaffeensis
This little guy, a Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum), carrying the bacterium Ehrlichia chaffeensis, has pretty much ruined my summer so far. I was in Northwest Arkansas (Fayetteville) in June for a family reunion, returning June 19. About a week...
Remembering Martin Andrew Butt 1947-1969
Remembering Martin Andrew Butt 1947-1969 July 14, 2026 My younger brother by three years, Martin, joined the Marines and survived Vietnam in 1966-67 with a purple heart but suffered a fatal automobile accident less than two years after coming home. He would have...
The MCE Smear Campaign
Below is my response to a critical Marin County Civil Grand Jury report on MCE, instigated by a series of articles in the Marin Independent Journal. I played the key role in bringing MCE to Richmond, the first expansion out of Marin County. I represented Richmond on...
🎶 This Friday: Point Richmond Music’s 25th Anniversary Season Opener!
Free Concert 6/12: Los Cenzontles + Miko Marks This Friday: 25th Anniversary Season Opener w/ Los Cenzontles & Miko Marks! The wait is almost over! Don't miss the opening night of Point Richmond Music's 25th Anniversary Season this...
Rotary – VISITORS WELCOME Next Meeting, Friday, June 12 | The Rainbow
Next Club Meeting Dear Tom, Our next meeting will take place at the Richmond Golf Club on Friday, June 12, 12:30pm. PLEASE NOTE: The gate code is #8631 The Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa County (Rainbow) This organization builds...
Family Reunion
Heading for Fayetteville AR for a BUTT family reunion. Expecting over 40 descendants and spouses of F.O. and Essie Butt. Want to receive TOM BUTT E-FORUM delivered to your email address? Click here to sign-up to receive the E-Forum. Tom...