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
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...
F.O. Butt of Eureka Springs 1875-1972: Lawyer, Banker, Teacher Politic
In preparation for a Butt family reunion later this month, I completed a book on our family patriarch, my grandfather, F.O. (Festus Orestes) Butt, along with appendices with information about each of his and his wife Essie’s seven children and their descendants. It is...