I am starting the new year revitalized to fight for the great city of Chicago. I promise to lift up our teachers; to join hands with those who drive our buses and clean our offices, who pour cement and plant trees on our parkways; to help small business grow & mature businesses to flourish; to honor the working men and women who remove snow and pick up garbage, who put out fires and protect us from danger.

When Chicagoans work together there is no problem that cannot be solved. Let us remind ourselves of that, and of our heritage of hard work and optimism. I hope you and those you love have a happy and peaceful new year.

This morning, I renewed my promise to keep fighting the Parking meter lease and return the parking meter revenue to you, the city’s taxpayers. Parking meter rates increased over the weekend to $5.00 an hour downtown. It’ the third increase since the meters were sold in 2008. It also makes Chicago the most expensive city in the country for street parking.

I have been at the forefront of the fight against the parking meter mess, taking the most aggressive stand of all mayoral candidates by calling for the lease to be cancelled and renegotiated and even launching a website and petition drive at www.takebackourquarters.com.

Christmas in Chicago is a wonderful time of the year.  I hope you and your family enjoy each other during this season that speaks of such promise and hope.  The story of how a child born in the most modest of circumstances grew to change the world inspires and uplifts and encourages us all.

I am celebrating the holiday the same way I have for many years: by handing out toys to children at La Rabida Children’s Hospital.

Thank you again for your continued support and I look forward to working with you in the new year.

I want to thank everyone who braved the cold, rain and snow this weekend to come out and support me. I had a busy, but fun, weekend. Friday night, I went to holiday parties with the Polish American Chamber of Commerce and with Bishop Larry Trotter and the congregation at Sweet Holy Spirit Church.

Holiday Celebration with the Polish American Chamber of Commerce

On Saturday, I enjoyed a lovely meal at the Chicago Sinfonietta’s Magical Holiday Breakfast. The Sinfonietta is a wonderful organization that helps bring the joys of classical music to children and families that otherwise wouldn’t have access to it.

Chicago Sinfonietta's Magical Holiday Breakfast.

I also participated in a panel discussion at WVON’s Pre-Kwanzaa celebration. It was a great time and I really enjoyed seeing all the great items the vendors had for sale.

WVON Pre-Kwanza Celebration

WVON Panel Discussion

I also went to the Chicago Housing Association holiday party for seniors. As mayor, I will work hard to make sure seniors are safe and can stay in their homes as long as it’s safe for them to be there.

Chicago Housing Association Holiday Party for Seniors

This week will be another busy one. I am scheduled to attend three mayoral forums and several other events.  Follow me on Facebook or Twitter for all the latest on my campaign!