BOULDER, Colo.-
Tom Eldridge, city councilman and the Tom of iconic restaurant Tom’s Tavern has died after a long battle with cancer, city officials said.
Eldridge, who had been on the Boulder City Council since 1997, died Sunday, officials said.
“Tom’s passing is a great loss for us all,” City Manager Frank Bruno said in a statement, “but we are a better community and better people for having known and worked with him.”
City officials were scheduled to meet Tuesday to schedule a special election to fill Eldridge’s seat.
Eldridge was instrumental in organizing the city’s budget to help deal with tight finances during an economic downturn in 2001. He was also a vocal proponent of examining the effects of climate change on the city and establishing a climate action plan, Mayor Mark Ruzzin said Monday.
His tavern—a well-regarded establishment for more than four decades—and earned a mention recently when film critic Robert Ebert issued a statement that he would not attend the annual Conference on World Affairs this year.
“Have a Tom’s hamburger for me,” Ebert wrote.
