Be assured that I did not become the Mayor of Chicago to preside over its decline.
Chicago’s neighborhoods have always been the city’s greatest strength.
Our universities and museums are respected around the country.
Politics never takes a holiday in Chicago.
We must care. We must all care. And while I am working, while the governments is working, so must the people also work.
Tonight – by taking this solemn oath – I am no longer a private citizen but the Mayor of the City of Chicago.
The people of Chicago are a proud people – and for good reason.
The nation can no longer afford to continue policies that hasten the flight of persons to the distant suburbs.
The cooperation of government at its different levels is important and can only be achieved as long as the people of Chicago are directly involved in our efforts and supportive of our goals.
In the days and months I spent walking through the various communities of this city, I found that Chicago did not work for everyone, however.
I pledge tonight to be Mayor for all of the people of this city – for one Chicago.
I accept that responsibility and ask only that I be judged by my performance as its chief executive.
If we are to succeed, we must recognize that the community redevelopment is not solely the rehabilitation of housing, or putting a mall in the business strips.
City employees will be hired and promoted because of their abilities – without outside interference.
The people ask much, often more than any government can give. We must resist the temptation to promise solutions to all problems.
But as important as the job to be done by government in the neighborhoods, the people must also be involved.
But always I was a private citizen whose activities in government or political party were appointive.
I am a Democrat. I have been one all of my life.
As I visited the various neighborhoods in the campaign, I learned fast that it’s a mistake to think that all of the wisdom and possible solutions to our problems are available only in this building.
The Chicago Symphony is considered the greatest orchestra in the world.
In the housing projects, people talked of ways to reduce crime, relieve overcrowding, and they were good ideas that we plan to study, and possibly implement.