Jane Byrne

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

“In my family I was never known as the fighter, like I became all of a sudden.”

“I am here before you tonight to dedicate this administration to bringing a new renaissance of neighborhood life and community spirit, a renewal of confidence in the future of our city and a revival of opportunity for all Chicago.”

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

“We saw hundreds of programs to redevelop the central city, the neighborhoods, in the past.”

“I pledge tonight to be Mayor for all of the people of this city - for one Chicago.”

“Our universities and museums are respected around the country.”

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

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

“The credit for much of this rightly belongs to the late Mayor Daley who forged a coalition of business and labor that kept Chicago always moving ahead.”

“But always I was a private citizen whose activities in government or political party were appointive.”

“If those communities are left to decay, this city will decay.”

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

“The people must know that from this day on, we want their opinions.”

“If all of us would require the same level of performance from ourselves as we expect from government, this city will forever be the city that works.”

“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.”

“I have three sisters, all of whom lead very normal lives.”

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

“In the housing projects, people talked of ways to reduce crime, relieve overcrowding, and they were good ideas that we plan to study, and possibly implement.”

“The people ask much, often more than any government can give. We must resist the temptation to promise solutions to all problems.”