Top 36 Quotes & Sayings by Jane Byrne

Explore popular quotes and sayings by an American politician Jane Byrne.

Last updated on April 21, 2025.

Jane Margaret Byrne was an American politician who was the first woman to be elected mayor of a major city in the United States. She served as the 50th Mayor of Chicago from April 16, 1979, until April 29, 1983. Byrne won the Chicago mayoral election on April 3, 1979, becoming the first female mayor of the city, the second largest city in the United States at the time. Until the inauguration of Lori Lightfoot in 2019, she was the only female mayor of Chicago. Prior to her tenure as mayor, Byrne served as Chicago's commissioner of consumer sales from 1969 until 1977.

American - Politician | May 24, 1934 - November 14, 2014

Source: Wikipedia

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

Jane Byrne

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.

Jane Byrne

Our universities and museums are respected around the country.

Jane Byrne

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

Jane Byrne

In the days and months I spent walking through the various communities of this city, I found that Chicago did not work for everyone, however.

Jane Byrne

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

Jane Byrne

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

Jane Byrne

If for no other reason than the energy crisis now facing this country, the federal government should be eager to become partners with us in rebuilding our city.

Jane Byrne

Be assured that I did not become the Mayor of Chicago to preside over its decline.

Jane Byrne

We must care. We must all care. And while I am working, while the governments is working, so must the people also work.

Jane Byrne

For my part, I plan to work out a fair and adequate redistribution of city services to all city neighborhoods.

Jane Byrne

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

Jane Byrne

I am a Democrat. I have been one all of my life.

Jane Byrne

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.

Jane Byrne

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

Jane Byrne

If we are to succeed, we must recognize that the community redevelopment is not solely the rehabilitation of housing, or putting a mall in the business strips.

Jane Byrne

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

Jane Byrne

As I visited the various neighborhoods in the campaign, I learned fast that it's a mistake to think that all of the wisdom and possible solutions to our problems are available only in this building.

Jane Byrne

Tonight - by taking this solemn oath - I am no longer a private citizen but the Mayor of the City of Chicago.

Jane Byrne

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

Jane Byrne

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

Jane Byrne

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

Jane Byrne

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

Jane Byrne

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

Jane Byrne

But I am committed to keeping this city a strong and viable center for commerce and industry, for continuing to make it a place of opportunity for its citizens.

Jane Byrne

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.

Jane Byrne

Chicago kept industry, attracted new business, became the center for convention trade and transportation.

Jane Byrne

There is always a testing of the new kid on the block in politics.

Jane Byrne

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

Jane Byrne

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.

Jane Byrne

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.

Jane Byrne

The cooperation of government at its different levels is important and can only be achieved as long as the people of Chicago are directly involved in our efforts and supportive of our goals.

Jane Byrne

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

Jane Byrne

Chicago's neighborhoods have always been this city's greatest strength.

Jane Byrne

Chicago’s neighborhoods have always been the city’s greatest strength.

Jane Byrne