Tonight - by taking this solemn oath - I am no longer a private citizen but the Mayor of the City of Chicago.

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.

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 people ask much, often more than any government can give. We must resist the temptation to promise solutions to all problems.

But I am committed to keeping this city a strong and viable center for commerce and industry, for continuing to make it a place of opportunity for its citizens.

For my part, I plan to work out a fair and adequate redistribution of city services to all city neighborhoods.

But always I was a private citizen whose activities in government or political party were appointive.