Politics never takes a holiday in Chicago.

Our universities and museums are respected around the country.

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

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

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

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.