[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 185 (Wednesday, December 5, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2503]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO MR. WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 5, 2007

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize a true 
Maryland legend, Mr. William Donald Schaefer, on the occasion of his 
86th birthday.
  Mr. Schaefer was born in Baltimore, a city upon which he would come 
to have a lasting impact, on November 21, 1921. Following service in 
the U.S. Army during WWII, Mr. Schaefer returned to Maryland to work in 
law and eventually enter politics.
  Over the course of 50 years, Mr. Schaefer would serve several years 
on the Baltimore City Council, four terms as Baltimore mayor, two terms 
as Maryland governor, and two terms as State Comptroller. He has left 
an indelible mark on Maryland and its people from his 50 years of 
public service.
  He has become famous for his colorful personality, but his tireless 
efforts and dedication to public service have never wavered. He has 
acquired friends and admirers from both sides of the aisle because of 
this commitment.
  His famous mantra as Baltimore mayor, ``Do It Now,'' reflects his 
ability to get things done. The redeveloped and rejuvenated Baltimore, 
which so many of us today enjoy, is largely a result of his efforts 
during that time. Today, there are few Marylanders who can say that 
they haven't been positively affected by his leadership.
  On a personal note, I had the great privilege of working for Governor 
Schaefer. His ``do it now'' philosophy provided a very valuable lesson 
for all of us in public office. He wanted to make sure that Maryland 
government addressed the needs of every Maryland resident regardless of 
their circumstances. He has always been one with little patience for 
pomp and circumstance.
  On behalf of the residents of Maryland's Eighth Congressional 
District, I am proud to offer my best wishes to Mr. Schaefer.

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