Rahm Emanuel Sworn In As Mayor
UPDATED 05/16/11 11:25 a.m.
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The big day has arrived. Rahm Emanuel has been sworn as the 46th Mayor of Chicago.
Emanuel was sworn in by Cook County Circuit Court Chief Judge Timothy Evans just before 11:25 a.m.
Emanuel arrived on stage at the Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park around 10:45 a.m. Outgoing Mayor Richard M. Daley and his wife, Maggie, followed soon afterward, as did Vice President Joseph Biden.
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Emanuel's office released several excerpts of his inauguration speech around 3:30 a.m. In one of them, he recognizes outgoing Mayor Richard M. Daley's years of service:
"When Mayor Richard M. Daley took office as mayor 22 years ago, he challenged all of us to lower our voices and raise our sights," Emanuel will say. "Chicago is a different city today than the one Mayor Daley inherited, thanks to all he did."
In another excerpt, Emanuel will say: "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."
Emanuel will focus on challenges that he says threaten the very future of the city – the quality of schools, the safety of streets, and the cost and effectiveness of city government. He says we simply can't afford the size of city government that has been seen in the past.
He welcomes anyone open to change to a seat at the table in writing Chicago's next chapter.
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As early as 5 a.m., organizers were busy setting up the Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park for the historic event.
Meanwhile, Emanuel himself rose for a typical Monday morning, swam a mile in the pool at the East Bank Club, and had a breakfast of strawberries, blueberries and coffee.
Speaking to CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine, Emanuel provided a feel for what the inauguration will look like. Can he predict what he will feel?
"No, you can't predict something like that," Emanuel said. "There'll be stuff about my family, stuff about the challenges. It's the great mystery. We'll see."
The inaugural ceremony began at 10:30 a.m., with prayers and musical performances. Mendoza was sworn in by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke at 10:40 a.m., and Mendoza herself swore in the City Council five minutes later.
Following a prayer and a poem, Neely was sworn in by Cook County Circuit Court Judge Shelli Williams Hayes around 11:15 a.m.
Emanuel's swearing-in followed another prayer and a violin performance of "America the Beautiful."
Emanuel delivers his 20-minute inaugural address immediately after being sworn in. Finally, the Chicago Children's Choir will perform and a benediction will be delivered.
Also in attendance were U.S. Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner, U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis, U.S. Transportation Secretary and former Illinois U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, and former Mayor Jane Byrne.
Some of the dignitaries talked about the inauguration and the new mayor with CBS 2's Roseanne Tellez.
"I've known him for 31 years. He's a man of energy and enthusiasm, and so am I, and I really look forward to working with him," Gov. Pat Quinn said.
"I'm so excited for Rahm, and I think that he's worked so hard, and we are ready for him to be inaugurated. It's been a long weekend with all the rain. The sun is shining. I will be delighted to see all the children performing," said former White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers.
Chief Judge Evans talked about being asked to swear in the new mayor.
"It is a wonderful opportunity. I don't take it for granted. I realize that all of the residents of this city have concerns that the want to see addressed, and to be a part of getting a mayor off to a good stat si very important," Evans said.
In Congress, Emanuel and LaHood battled on opposite sides of the aisle. But now, he tells CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine he is proud of Emanuel.
"I feel so happy for the people of Chicago and the people of Illinois. If Chicago does well, Illinois does well. Chicago is ending an era of leadership and starting a new era that I believe will take Chicago to the next level – a level that people have not seen," LaHood said.
Metal detectors were set up at the front of Millennium Park, resulting in long lines. But Gov. Quinn got to bypass them.
U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin also attended, said it was a "great day" for Chicago. U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, and Bill Daley, who took over for Emanuel as the White House chief of staff, were also present.
Mayor Daley arrived at the inauguration ceremony around 10:20 a.m.
CBS'2 s Jim Williams said it felt more like a presidential inaugurations with the tight security and streets closed. But once guests entered, there was plenty of open space.
The public can also attend an open house from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday at City Hall, where Emanuel will greet visitors.
CBS 2's election coverage begins at 10 a.m., with Rob Johnson and Kate Sullivan. You can also watch the ceremony here on cbschicago.com.
