Chicago’s neighborhoods have always been the city’s greatest strength.

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.

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.

We must care. We must all care. And while I am working, while the governments is working, so must the people also work.

Politics never takes a holiday in Chicago.

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.