Former Governor Schaefer Hospitalized For Pneumonia
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—He served as Baltimore's mayor and governor of Maryland. William Donald Schaefer is in the hospital. He was taken there after he was having trouble breathing.
Kelly McPherson spoke with Schaefer's longtime friend and aide.
Former Governor William Donald Schaefer was rushed to St. Agnes emergency room Thursday evening.
His longtime aide and friend has been at his bedside during his treatment.
"I was at the symphony when they called me. And so it was scary. I got nervous and drove over here very quickly," said Lainy LeBow-Sachs.
Doctors say he has pneumonia, and medications are improving his condition.
"He's feisty as ever," LeBow-Sachs said. "He's battling everything you want to do, so you know that's governor Schaefer."
Schaefer, 89, started in Maryland politics in the 50s, rising through City Council and the mayor's office.
He is credited with revitalizing the Inner Harbor. He helped with Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium construction, too.
He served as governor for eight years.
He fell out of favor with some in the past decade with questionable behavior regarding Spanish-speaking workers, AIDS patients and women.
This first run-in with pneumonia should keep him in the hospital for another few days.
"They've taken very good care of him," LeBow-Sachs said. "I feel comfortable. I wouldn't want him any other place."
Schaefer lives in the Charlestown Retirement Community in Catonsville.
