Chicago, IL, United States (AHN) – Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel took the oath of office on Monday, becoming the first new mayor to do so in the city for more than two decades. The Democrat pledged to improve the quality of the city’s schools, to address street violence and create jobs.
Less than a year after leaving the White House as President Barack Obama’s top aide, Emanuel officially took on the problems of Chicago, including a $600 million budget deficit. He takes over from Richard Daley, the longest serving mayor of Chicago whose father also served as mayor for 21 years.
“While we are not the first government to face these tough questions, it is my fervent hope that we become the first to solve them,” Emanuel said in his inaugural remarks. “The old ways no longer work. It is time for a new era of responsibility and reform.”
The new mayor plans to reduce government spending by $75 million and to streamline the city’s bureaucracy, which consists of 40 departments. He will push for education reforms such as longer school days and an effective teacher evaluation system.
In addition, Emanuel will implement an initiative this summer that will expand mentoring programs and recreational activities for the teens. A report by his transition team last week revealed there were 435 murders in the city last year, and nearly of those homicides were between the ages of 10 and 25.
“Our school system only graduates half of our kids. And with one of the shortest school days and school years in the country, we even shortchange those who earn a diploma,” he said. “As some have noted, including my wife, I am not a patient man. When it comes to improving our schools, I will not be a patient mayor.”
A former chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee who is known for his brashness. Emanuel bested five rivals, including former City Colleges Board chair Gery Chico, in February during an election to succeed Daley. He received 55 percent of the vote, avoiding a primary despite a lawsuit questioning his residency and eligibility as a candidate.
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