2001: Eldridge residents vote down outdoor pool plan

Nov. 14, 2001: Eldridge voters turned out in record numbers, calling for change at city hall and roundly rejecting a proposal for an outdoor aquatic complex. Mayor Larry Rauch was defeated by newcomer Frank Wood, and council member Marc Brandt was voted out. Newcomers Steve Mohr and Mike Webber were elected to four-year seats. There was also set to be a run-off for a two-year council seat – although Brian Dockery garnered the most votes on Election Day, he did not earn a majority. He would face off against incumbent Tom Knapper on Dec. 4. Meanwhile, 63.36% of Eldridge voters sided against the pool, which surprised supporters of the proposal. Based on a phone poll, they’d been confident of victory. A record 1,250 residents showed up to the polls on Election Day.