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

Chicago’s neighborhoods have always been the city’s greatest strength.

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 people of Chicago are a proud people - and for good reason.

If we are to succeed, we must recognize that the community redevelopment is not solely the rehabilitation of housing, or putting a mall in the business strips.

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

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.