Our universities and museums are respected around the country.

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

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

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.

I accept that responsibility and ask only that I be judged by my performance as its chief executive.

Be assured that I did not become the Mayor of Chicago to preside over its decline.

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.