16-May-11 – (Above) Timothy Evans, Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County, extends his hand to Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel an instant after swearing him in. At far left is Vice President Joe Biden. At far right is city treasurer Stephanie Neely. (Click on images to view larger versions.)

Chicagoans filled Jay Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park this morning for the inauguration of mayor Rahm Emanuel.

“The old ways no longer work,” Emanuel told the crowd. “It is time for a new era of responsibility and reform.”

During his 23-minute address, he called Chicago “a city of ‘yes, we can,’ not ‘no, we can’t.’ From now on, when it comes to change, Chicago will not take ‘no’ for an answer.”

Also sworn in was city clerk Susana Mendoza, city treasurer Stephanie Neely, and all 50 city council members, including 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly (left), who ran unopposed in city elections on February 22.

Other VIPs attending the two-hour event included White House Chief of Staff William Daley, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, political advisor David Axelrod, activist Jesse Jackson, and actress Jennifer Beals.

(Above) Former mayor Richard M. Daley waves to the crowd at Pritzker Pavilion after being acknowledged for his “lifetime of service” by newly inaugurated mayor Rahm Emanuel (right). Seated at left is Maggie Daley. To his right are Jill and Joe Biden.

“None of what we must overcome will be easy, but I know this, I know this in my heart, the challenges for the city of Chicago are no match for the character of the people of Chicago.” – Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel