[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16218]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MAYOR RUDOLPH CLAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 26, 2011

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with fond admiration and profound 
respect that I take this time to recognize a dear friend and one of 
Indiana's most distinguished citizens, the Honorable Mayor Rudolph 
Clay, of Gary, Indiana. For his many years of public service and his 
countless efforts toward improving the lives of Northwest Indiana 
residents, Rudy will be honored at a celebratory reception at the 
Genesis Convention Center, in Gary, Indiana, on Friday, October 28, 
2011.
  Rudolph Clay was born in Courtland, Alabama. Following the passing of 
his mother, Rudy and his brother, David, were raised by their aunts, 
Daisy Washington and Mary Lucy Hunter, in Gary, Indiana. After 
graduating from Roosevelt High School, Rudy continued his education, 
earning a track scholarship to Indiana University in Bloomington. He 
would later return to Gary, and it was during this time that he met and 
fell in love with his wonderful wife, Christine Swan. They were married 
on November 30, 1957. Mayor Clay then served in the United States Army 
from 1958 to 1960. Through the Vietnam era and the Civil Rights 
Movement, Rudy's unwavering passion to serve people, particularly those 
most in need, and his strong desire to be a catalyst for positive 
change propelled him on his remarkable journey.
  In 1972, Rudy was elected to the Indiana State Senate in the third 
district. While in this position, the focus of his work included 
working for better treatment and training programs for prison inmates, 
creating a victim's compensation fund, and establishing a Martin Luther 
King, Jr. holiday. Subsequently, Rudy was elected to the Lake County 
Council in 1978 and then re-elected in 1982. During this time he fought 
against the unfairness in hiring practices at the Lake County 
Government Center and the raising of utility rates. In 1984, Rudy Clay 
was elected as Lake County Recorder. Three years later, he was elected 
Lake County Commissioner and served four elected terms in this 
capacity.
  In 2005, Rudy became the first African American elected to serve as 
the Lake County Democratic Chairman, a position he held until 2009.
  The Gary Precinct Organization appointed Rudy mayor of Gary in 2006, 
and he was elected mayor the following year. Mayor Clay's extraordinary 
energy, his profound empathy for people and his lifelong commitment to 
leave a better world for following generations have led to preeminent 
achievements. They have positively impacted the lives of countless 
individuals as well as the progress and future of Indiana.
  Throughout his illustrious career, Mayor Clay has been recognized 
with many distinguished awards. Rudy was honored by Governor Evan Bayh 
with the Outstanding Hoosier Award in 1994, and in 2005, Governor 
Joseph Kernan honored the Mayor with the prestigious Sagamore of the 
Wabash Award, to name a few.
  Although Rudy has received many esteemed honors for his commitment to 
the residents of Indiana, his greatest source of pride is his family. 
Rudy and his amazing wife, Christine, have been married for 54 years 
this November. They have one beloved son, Rudy Clay, Jr.
  On a more personal note, I also want to thank Rudy for his 
graciousness and warm friendship over the years. I also would be remiss 
if I did not thank him for the deep respect he has always shown to my 
father, John Visclosky.
  Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring Mayor Rudy Clay for his staunch devotion 
to the people of Gary as well as all of Northwest Indiana. Rudy's 
unselfish and lifelong dedication to serving the people of Northwest 
Indiana is worthy of the highest commendation, and he serves as an 
inspiration to us all. I am proud to call him my friend.

                          ____________________