'Let's Focus on Great Expectations, Not our Limitations': Mayor Mike's Inaugural Speech

"Let's Focus on Great Expectations, Not our Limitations": Mayor Mike's Inaugural Speech

By Robert Wilonsky Mon., Jun. 27 2011 at 3:45 PM

Photo by Mark Graham

Leslie's already summed up Mayor Mike's first-ever official speech as Dallas mayor, which was given at this morning's swearing-in of the new council. And she's up shortly with a recap from the ad hoc gas drilling committee vote, which took a bit of a twist; she'll let Scott Griggs explain. And Jim's got a few words about Mayor Dwaine's brief but wondrous tenure too. But before we get to any of that, this: Mike Rawlings's inaugural speech, which Frank Librio at Dallas City Hall just sent.

An excerpt:

Over the years, in business and in my civic leadership people have often accused me of "thinking big," and that's the attitude I plan to bring to Dallas City Hall. But we're not just going to think big. We are also going to put big actions behind those ideas, and we're going to accomplish some big goals that will help make life better for us all.

As leaders, we have a responsibility to those we serve to always do our best - to always strive for the best. Starting here today, I ask my colleagues on the City Council, our City Manager and the leadership at City Hall to join be in taking on these big challenges, and let's focus on great expectations, not our limitations.

The whole thing follows. Rawlings Inaugural PDF

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Jay

Fix the levies. Nothing else really matters if the CBD is certified as a flood zone.

Dallas Diner

Why can't we get a mayor who wants to fix the small problems before they become big ones? Small holes in the street, broken street lights, graffiti on buildings and road signs, trash in the streets? How about traffic lights that don't break every time it rains?

Jay Hawk

We had the option of electing that mayor and didn't. Next time, register and vote.

rubbercow

His quote is exactly why this city is such a laughing stock. How about if we just focus on having a reasonable city?

Wylie H.

At what point during the speech did County Judge Clay Jenkins bolt for the door?

trannyntraining

I think the Park Cities actually annexed the City of Dallas into their bank accounts and we are all the fools waiting for the second coming. I'll refrain from too much judgement till I can see what the man does, but if history is any guide....the FBI would probably be smart and just do a clean sweep now(it would save taxpayers' money).

DuckDuckGoose

From certain angles, he resembles Christopher Noth (from The Good Wife).

Springermom

I've been thinking the same thing.

Jay Hawk

Given the looming budget cuts, it's important to look at limitations. Or maybe that's just the city manager's job?

Montemalone

I think A Tale of Two Cities would be a better choice.

Brenden

I know I will get blasted for saying this, but can we at least give Rawlings a chance and see what he can do? I know Jim and Big Bob will write their stories ripping every bad move they make but for the first time in a long time im very optimistic to what he has to say. I hope he follows through on his word. Big Bob I appreciate all you do and enjoy reading what you say, Im really pointing the finger at Jim cause we all know hes never happy unless chaos is going on. Lets give the guy a chance. Lets support it all, but mainly lets support Texas