William Donald Schaefer
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William Donald Schaefer (born November 2, 1921), American politician, has served in public office for 50 years at both the state and local level in Maryland. A Democrat, he was mayor of Baltimore from 1971 to 1987, the 58th Governor of Maryland from 1987 to 1995 and has been the Comptroller of Maryland since 1999.
A life-long Maryland resident, Schaefer was born in Baltimore, the son of William Henry and Tululu Irene Schaefer. He was educated in Baltimore's public schools, graduating from Baltimore City College in 1939. Schaefer received his J.D. degree in 1942 from the University of Baltimore School of Law.
Schaefer's legal career was put on hold by the U.S. entry into the Second World War. He joined the U.S. Army in 1942, achieved officer rank and took charge of administering hospitals in England and on the rest of Europe. Following his tour of duty, he remained in the U.S. Army Reserves and retired in 1979 with the rank of colonel.
After the war, Schaefer resumed his legal career, practicing real estate law. He earned a Master of Law degree in 1954 from the University of Baltimore School of Law and formed a general practice law firm with two colleagues.
His concern for city planning and housing issues propelled him to a seat representing the 5th District on the Baltimore City Council in 1955. In 1967, Schaefer ventured into citywide politics by running successfully for Baltimore City Council president. Four years later, he ran successfully for the mayor's office. Schaefer served four terms as mayor, being re-elected in 1975, 1979 and 1983, each time receiving 85% or more of the vote. He was overwhelmingly elected the 58th governor of Maryland in 1986, defeating Republican challenger Thomas J. Mooney with 82% of the vote, the largest percentage total ever for a contested statewide election in Maryland. He was reelected in 1990 with almost 60% of the vote.
Schaefer's legacy includes the construction of Oriole Park at Camden Yards, stricter measures taken against preventing and solving the Chesapeake Bay pollution problem, higher standards for public schools and higher tax rates. He retired from position as governor in 1995 after serving the maximum two terms.
Detractors remind the public he referred to Maryland's Eastern Shore as an outhouse and supported Republican George Bush in the 1992 presidential election. As comptroller he has regularly spoken critically of immigrants in the workforce.
Following his career as governor, Schaefer became of counsel to the law firm of Gordon, Feinblatt, Rothman, Hoffberger & Hollander, LLC, in Baltimore until 1999. The William Donald Schaefer Chair was established at University of Maryland, College Park's School of Public Affairs in 1995. Schaefer held the position until he became Comptroller in 1999, at which time the program was expanded to include funded internships.
Building dedications
- William Donald Schaefer Tower in Baltimore, Maryland.[1] (http://www.dgs.maryland.gov/Facilities/Baltimore_City/Managed/6_Saint_Paul_St.html)
- William Donald Schaefer Engineering Building at Morgan State University
| Preceded by: Thomas L. J. D'Alesandro III | Mayor of Baltimore 1971–1987 | Succeeded by: Clarence H. Burns |
| Preceded by: Harry R. Hughes | Governor of Maryland 1987—1995 | Succeeded by: Parris N. Glendening |
| Preceded by: Robert L. Swann | Comptroller of Maryland 1999–present | Succeeded by: Incumbent |