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.

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

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

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

City employees will be hired and promoted because of their abilities - without outside interference.

I pledge tonight to be Mayor for all of the people of this city - for one Chicago.

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