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.

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.

Find out how much time you have then get busy using it.

Every woman wants a cowboy.

Was he hitting some type of werewolf midlife crisis? First, he'd left Wolf Town, and now he was envisioning a mate. What next? Bird watching? Board games? Retirement homes?

Imagination might be scarier than reality ... but not by much.

Slot machines are like crack for old people.

I don't write to put it in a drawer, I hope that people see it.

Rugby is a game for the mentally deficient... That is why it was invented by the British. Who else but an Englishman could invent an oval ball?

The Bell never rings of itself; unless some one handles or moves it it is dumb.

It is our hypocrisy and self-focus that drains us. When we become purpose centered, internally directed other focused and externally open, we discover energy we didn't know we had.

The Cuban people have an amazingly strong and unbroken spirit.