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

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

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.

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

Our universities and museums are respected around the country.

Politics never takes a holiday in Chicago.

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

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.

The nation can no longer afford to continue policies that hasten the flight of persons to the distant suburbs.

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

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

You are no longer quite certain which side of the fence is a dream.

Women are never disarmed by compliments. Men always are.

If you look at my history, I'm not gonna let that many people into whatever I'm going through.

I think the audience likes to be entertained.

Knowledge and imagination are the life buoy and the extra lung for breathing outside the walls of a tainted reality.

Sometimes you need an anchor, whatever it might be. You need a space to connect. So often you get into a way of doing things.

Over time, the federal government should move the nation to a single standard, clean-burning gasoline.

The Word of God can be in the mind without being in the heart; but it cannot be in the heart without first being in the mind.

Heaven doesn't laugh. It just smiles and stares.

Loving myself exactly where I am is the only way to get where I'm going