By: Ashmar Mandou

Just two days left and the 22 year legacy of Mayor Richard Daley will come to an end. In the past month, Mayor Daley has visited every ward, greeted thousands of residents, and thanked hundreds of businesses for their continual support throughout his years in office. “I want to thank every resident, every business and every not-for-profit for their advice, support and cooperation. Your ideas, your input and your time have helped move the city forward,” Daley said at one of the final stops on the “Neighborhood Appreciation Tour.”

Whether you have agreed with his politics or not, it is without a doubt that Mayor Daley has transformed the city of Chicago on a global scale. His tireless efforts to support all aspects that make Chicago unique, from literacy, to the arts, to supporting Chicago’s youth are unparallel. “In my 22 years, every minute I continually think about the city,” Daley said in his last city council meeting. “I wonder what I’m going to do after May 16 in regard to not thinking about the city.” The Lawndale Bilingual Newspaper would like to thank Mayor Daley for 22 years of hard work, dedication, and passion for improving the city of Chicago.

This weekend marks the inaugural festivities of Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel. Do not miss a moment to catch Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel and members of the City Council around the city.

Chicago 2011 Inaugural Festivities:

Part 1 is a City-wide Day of Service on Saturday morning, May 14 – Whether planting flowers in a neighborhood park or picking up garbage along the river we will come together for service activities in neighborhoods across the city.

Part 2 is the City-wide Concert on Saturday afternoon, May 14 – The Grant Park concert is free, open to the public, family-friendly and starts at 1:00 PM. A ticket will be required for entry. Visit the Chicago Together website to fill out a form and have the concert ticket emailed to you.

Part 3 is the Swearing-in Ceremony on Monday morning, May 16 – Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel, Treasurer Stephanie Neely and members of the City Council will be sworn in at 10:30 AM at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. This event is free and open to the public.

Part 4 is a City Hall Open House on Monday afternoon, May 16 – Come join the new mayor and meet fellow Chicagoans from across the city. This event is free and open to the public.

“Pilsen Neighbors Community Council would like to thank Mayor Daley for his many contributions as well as to the social and cultural growth that is the very fabric of our communities within the City of Chicago. We would also like to take the opportunity to welcome our new Mayor as we continue to work together on the issues that matter to the third largest city in the nation.”
– Martha “Marty” Sanchez, President Pilsen Neighbors Community Council

“What other city in America would you rather live in? No other. That is how I will remember Mayor Daley. For taking the city I grew up in and transforming it into a dynamic global city.”
– Juan Salgado, President and CEO, Instituto del Progreso Latino

“Mayor Daley has done a lot for our community with his help we have been able to build schools, libraries, firehouses, and numerous infrastructure improvements have been carried out thanks to his commitment to our Chicago neighborhoods. Our community is indebted to him for his 22 years of service.”
-Alderman Cardenas (12th Ward)

“Mayor Daley was a dedicated public servant to this great city for over 20 years. It was an honor to work with him. He will always be remembered as a man who truly loves Chicago.”
-Alderman Danny Solis (25th Ward)