Rahm Emanuel was sworn in Monday as Chicago’s 46th mayor at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Emanuel joined City Clerk-elect Susana Mendoza, Treasurer Stephanie Neely and City Council members in taking oaths of office on Inauguration Day.
Secret Service did a sweep of the park Monday morning in preparation for the program, which kicked off at 10:30 a.m. and included a who’s who of political figures, from outgoing mayor Richard M. Daley to Gov. Pat Quinn, as well as Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Sens. Mark Kirk and Dick Durbin.
IP guests included Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. Other faces that popped up: Daley’s brother, White House Chief of Staff Bill Daley, and former Chicago mayor Jane Byrne.
In his inaugural address, Emanuel followed a recipe similar to his predecessor. He acknowledged Daley’s 22 years and changes the long-serving mayor made. Then he looked ahead and gave a message of hope for Chicago’s future in schools, jobs and government.
„New times demand new answers; old problems cry out for better results. This morning, we leave behind the old ways and old divisions and begin a new day for Chicago. I am proud to lead a city united in common purpose and driven by a common thirst for change.“
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Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s Inaugural Address
http://www.chicago2011.org/news/mayor-rahm-emanuels-inaugural-address/
Rahm Emanuel paid tribute to Richard M. Daley, who served as mayor of Windy City for 22 years, in his inaugural address. He said:
„Chicago is a different city today than the one Mayor Daley inherited, thanks to all he did. New times demand new answers; old problems cry out for better results. This morning, we leave behind the old ways and old divisions and begin a new day for Chicago.“
And add:
„All of us have a role to play in writing Chicago’s next chapter. None of what we must overcome will be easy, but in my heart I know this: The challenges for the city of Chicago are no match for the character of the people of Chicago.“