But as important as the job to be done by government in the neighborhoods, the people must also be involved.

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.

The Chicago Symphony is considered the greatest orchestra in the world.

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

When there were fears about the future of this nation's older cities... when a few of the cities teetered on the brink of bankruptcy, all eyes were focused on Chicago for contrast.

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