Maryland Officials Share Their Memories Of Schaefer
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- For decades former Baltimore mayor and Maryland Gov. William Donald Schaefer guided massive public works and economic development projects which rejuvenated his beloved hometown of Baltimore. This is how Maryland officials are remembering him.
"He wanted to create jobs and he wanted to create opportunity for all the people of Maryland. For him, it was always about the people. He was about building schools, keeping the libraries open and creating jobs. And he wasn't going to let anything get in his way." -- Senator Barbara Mikulski
"He insisted on being an honest, no-nonsense leader who celebrated our city's strengths while implementing a vision for the future, always believing that Baltimore's best days are ahead. Under his leadership, Baltimore's Inner Harbor was transformed into the economic engine for the city and a source of great pride for citizens in every neighborhood. Mayor Schaefer was more than a visionary leader, he was Baltimore's greatest cheerleader." -- Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
"William Donald Schaefer is an icon. I don't think there's anyone in the last 50 years who's cast a bigger shadow than William Donald Schaefer." -- Maryland House Speaker Michael Busch.
"It is with deep sorrow that I join the chorus of Marylanders remembering the life and leadership of Gov. William Donald Schaefer. There are few individuals, if any, that have left such an indelible mark on the political history of this state. Whether as mayor of Baltimore, governor or comptroller of Maryland, William Donald Schaefer was a man of courage and conviction who will be remembered as a leader who knew how to get things done for his constituents." -- Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker.
"So he showed up at all these routine groundbreakings and he would wear the silly hat, he would make the funny face, he would stick his tongue out at the reporters. He was elevating the routine into the special." -- Schaefer's former press secretary, Bob Douglas.
"From potholes to Baltimore's magnificent Inner Harbor, he worked hard every day to improve his community. His colorful personality has contributed to some of Maryland's most memorable moments and he will be sorely missed." --Representative Dutch Ruppersberger.
"We are blessed to have known him and our city is all the better because of his outstanding leadership. To say he will be missed is simply an understatement. An end to a political era has come." -- Baltimore City Councilman Carl Stokes.
"Marylanders of all stripes knew of his love of all things Baltimore and all things Maryland. They just don't make them like William Donald Schaefer anymore." -- Former Governor Robert Ehrlich.
"William Donald Schaefer loved his city and his state with great exuberance because there was nothing more important to him than the people that he served with such loyalty. From his famous 'no excuses' leadership style, to his celebrated public persona, William Donald Schaefer demonstrated an unrelenting drive to make Maryland a better place. His legacy lives not merely in the buildings that bear his name, nor the statue that bears his likeness, but in the lives and hearts of all those fortunate enough to have known him and lucky enough to have been served by him." --Gov. Martin O'Malley, D-Md.
