Politics never takes a holiday in Chicago.

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.

Politics never takes a holiday in Chicago.

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

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.

Chicago kept industry, attracted new business, became the center for convention trade and transportation.