Watch CBS News

Daley Quiet The Day After Announcement

Mayor Richard M. Daley arrived at work at City Hall Wednesday morning to begin his first full day of work, since announcing that he had decided not to seek another term in office.

When he walked out of the fifth floor elevator, Daley was met by cameras and reporters hoping to get a comment. But the mayor waved politely and walked down the hall.

Later at a news conference for the 13th Annual Chicago Football Classic, the mayor talked about the game which pits historically black colleges against one another in Soldier Field.

Daley did not say anything about himself, but others did comment on what they called a sad day.

Classic co-founder Larry Huggins said it will be difficult to fill the shoes of the mayor.

"Based upon the things he has done for the city, and what he has meant to the city, I just want to say, mayor, that you will truly be missed," Huggins said.

Huggins also thanked the mayor for his steadfast support of the game, which he says couldn't have come to Chicago without the support of Daley and the late School Board President Michael Scott.

When Huggins mentioned Scott's name the Mayor nodded in agreement and appeared to become emotional while standing and listening.

Scott took his own life last November.

Ald. Toni Preckwinkle (4th) spoke about how the Mayor will be praised by future generations for beautifying the city, supporting education and revitalizing public housing.

"I had a lot of public housing developments in my ward, and they have been changed and transformed into mixed-income communities, and again, that's the mayor's vision," Preckwinkle said.

Preckwinkle is the Democratic nominee for Cook County Board President.

After the event ended, Mayor Daley posed for pictures with many of the Classic supporters. He also shook the hands of many of those who gathered before working his way towards the floor of the City Council.

This year's Chicago Football Classic pits Alcorn State against Mississippi Valley State. The game is set for Sept. 18 at Soldier Field.

(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.