GARY | The easy part for Gary Mayor Rudy Clay was getting elected Tuesday night.

Clay overwhelmed Republican challenger Charles R. Smith Jr. and write-in candidate Eddie Tarver Jr. -- the standard bearer of the Unicratic Party label.

Clay, 71, has spent half his life representing the city as mayor, state senator, a county councilman and as county commissioner. In the spring primary, Clay demolished a field of 11 Democratic challengers.

Now the hard part: Clay is expected to deliver on ambitious plans to revive the abandoned Sheraton Hotel into City Center, which he said will be a 144-room housing tower. He also plans to revive the rest of the downtown.

Clay said he hopes to rejuvenate Methodist Hospitals in Gary and will have to overcome a money crunch scheduled to take place in two years when property tax revenues will be reduced under a state tax-relief package.

However, when Clay asked the crowd at his victory party Tuesday if they had any questions about the future, many shouted back, "No questions, let's celebrate."

"The heart of the people of Gary, Ind., proved today they know a good mayor when they see one," Clay said. "I'm exhilarated. I'm excited. I'm motivated.

"We are still digging out, but we are about to turn a corner and soar like an eagle."