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William Donald Schaefer (born November 2, 1921), a member of the United States Democratic Party, has served in public office for 40 years at both the state and local level. He was the 58 Governor of Maryland in the United States from 1987 to 1995 and has been the State Comptroller of Maryland since 1999.
Personal Information
A life-long Maryland resident, Schaefer was born in Baltimore, Maryland, 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 the European Continent. 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.
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, at which time the program was expanded to include funded internships.
Prior to his election as Comptroller, Schaefer was Of Counsel to the law firm of Gordon, Feinblatt, Rothman, Hoffberger & Hollander, LLC, in Baltimore.
Political Career
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 challenger Thomas J. Mooney with 82% 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.
Building dedications
- William Donald Schaefer Tower in Baltimore, Maryland.
- William Donald Schaefer Engineering Building at Morgan State University
| Preceded byThomas L. J. D'Alesandro III | Mayor of Baltimore 1971–1987 |
Succeeded byClarence H. Burns |
| Preceded byHarry R. Hughes | Governor of Maryland 1987—1995 |
Succeeded byParris N. Glendening |