HOME BIOGRAPHY PHOTO GALLERY SENIOR CITIZENS NEWS LINKS CONTACT                       By Brendan O'Shaughnessy The Times It was hardly the selection of a new pope, but the Democratic State Central Committee may have ushered in a new era of Lake County politics Tuesday night in its conclave to select a county chairman. Lake County Commissioner Rudy Clay won 13-8 in a secret ballot vote at the law offices of Barnes & Thornburg. He will replace Stephen "Bob" Stiglich, the county auditor, who has held the post since taking it over from former East Chicago Mayor Robert Pastrick in 1997. In a drama fitting to county politics if not papal selection, Pastrick was the one who called a motion to nominate Clay. Pastrick holds one of 21 votes on the seldom-needed committee, which is made up of two members per Congressional district and three Democratic National Committee members. Pastrick and Stiglich, who ran against each other for mayor in 1995 and 1999, have had an intriguing relationship that included Stiglich's support in the 2003 election against George Pabey. While Pastrick lost in a re-election last year, it appears he helped ensure that Stiglich would join him in a new life outside of elected politics. "The first thing to do is to heal any wounds and unify the party," Clay said after the election. "I think the image of the party will enhance as we get new, young people involved." Asked if the vote sends a message that the county party has changed from its corrupt history, Clay said: "Absolutely." Dan Parker, the state party chairman, said Clay gave an impassioned short speech for change, and the committee embraced that idea because it saw the local elected officials split in their support. Democratic mayors of the county's six major cities, along with U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, backed Stiglich, but several state lawmakers opposed him, along with Sheriff Roy Dominguez. Dominguez said the committee recognized that Stiglich's failure to rally enough attendance for a quorum at two votes among county precinct committeeman signaled a need for a new direction. "I think Chairman Clay will lead us to a brighter day," he said. But Don Genis, a Stiglich supporter and precinct committeeman from Griffith, said the vote would hurt the Democratic party because it took away the precinct workers' rare chance to voice their opinion. "To disregard the vote of the precinct committee people is a travesty of justice," Genis said. State Rep. John Aguilera, D-East Chicago, whose challenge to Stiglich and to the lack of a quorum sparked the state party vote, said Clay promised to make as a top priority winning back control of the state House. State Rep. Charlie Brown, D-Gary, said the change hopefully signals a more inclusive and diverse party organization that won't get involved in primary skirmishes as Stiglich had.	Clay gives fundraiser to build more wheelchair ramps. Click here.               There is a change in the way lots can be disposed of. Click here.               Clay proposes using casino funds to pay property taxes for senior citizens. Click here.                 Clay holds the "Toys for Kids that Santa Claus Forgot" program. Click here.
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