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
Mayoral Candidate Debate
I have endorsed Ahmad Anderson, a progressive Democrat that will bring sanity back to the Richmond City Council. Want to receive TOM BUTT E-FORUM delivered to your email address? Click here to sign-up to receive the E-Forum. Tom Butt is the former mayor...
VISITORS WELCOME – Rotary – Next Meeting, Friday, August 28 | Health C
Next Club Meeting Our next meeting will take place at the Richmond Golf Club on Friday, August 28, 12:30pm. PLEASE NOTE: The gate code is #8631 Health Care for All Stephen Vernon Increasingly, insurance costs and restrictions lessen the...
Fatal Flaws in SS Red Oak Victory Relocation Proposal and Whirley Cran
SS Red Oak Victory There are many good reasons the proposed relocation of the SS Red Oak Victory is a bad idea, and they have been discussed in detail in previous E-FORUMs. I want to elaborate on just two: laydown area and parking. Currently, the pier...
Join Me in Protesting the Dismantling of Shipyard 3 History
The City of Richmond and the Port of Richmond are celebrating “one of California’s most historic and active seaports,” while at the same time planning to dismantle the Shipyard 3 Historic Engagement Area, part of Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front...
Activate Shipyard 3 Historic Engagement Area
The General Management Plan for Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, which was approved by the City of Richmond and adopted as part of the Richmond General Plan 2030, envisioned the southern tip of historic Shipyard 3 as an “Historic...
Doria Robinson Improper Recusal Violation
Following publication in my E-FORUM of August 12, 2026 (FPPC Resolved Butt Complaint Against Doria Robinson with Stipulated Sum), the FPPC fine was covered by Richmonside, the Grandview Independent and posted on Facebook with 48 comments. Many commenters...