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.

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.

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.

One of the things Ford Prefect had always found hardest to understand about humans was their habit of continually stating and repeating the very very obvious.

This is what the Others have done to us. You can’t band together to fight without trust. And without trust, there was no hope. How do you rid the Earth of humans? Rid the humans of their humanity.

...the ravenous monsters men called reporters

If we are true, if we can love, if we have vision, if we can have courage, we can, we should, we ought to, we will.

I don't know how to thank you.' Then I will tell you. There is only one way I care for. Do better, and grow better, and be better.

I am a liberal and always have been - just not the wild-eyed character the Republicans made me out to be.

We do not kill an Iraqi.

I am practically in the employ of Mr. Nobel. I have to meet everyone he sends my way.

I think punditry serves no purpose.

I am haunted by waters.