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William Donald Schaefer was elected 58th gov-
ernor of Maryland in 1986 by the greatest margin
of victory in state gubernatorial history. In his
landmark election Governor Schaefer swept
Maryland's 23 counties and Baltimore City, with
an unprecedented 82 percent of the total vote.
Governor Schaefer brings to his new post more
than 30 years of legislative and executive experi-
ence, and a deep familiarity with many of the
state's most vexing problems.
As mayor of Baltimore City for 15 years. Gov-
ernor Schaefer characterized his administration by
initiating a highly innovative urban rejuvenation
program, drawing upon the resources of federal,
state and local government as well as those of the
private sector. These initiatives led to a wide-
spread revitalization of Baltimore's neighborhoods
and to the city's emergence as a major tourist
center. This, combined with other city programs
implemented by Mr. Schaefer, created jobs for
200,000 unemployed Baltimoreans, many of
whom were veterans, needy mothers and young
people. In addition, these programs attracted 1.2
billion dollars in new investments that tripled the
city's tax base and retained 39,500 industrial jobs.
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Mr. Schaefer's work as mayor of Baltimore at-
tracted much national attention, earning him ac-
claim as one of America's most effective urban ex-
ecutives. He is the recipient of eight honorary
doctorates. The U.S. Conference of Mayors has
bestowed upon him the highest accolades. Nation-
al trade journals, fraternal organizations, civic and
service clubs, health and welfare agencies, and
neighborhood improvement associations have all
paid him the highest tribute.
He is the fifth person in the nation to receive
the "Distinguished Public Service Award" from
Brandeis University along with Eleanor Roose-
velt, Chief Justice Earl Warren, Watergate Prose-
cutor Leon Jaworski, and Speaker of the House
Thomas "Tip" O'Neill.
The citizens of Maryland soon realized that in
William Donald Schaefer they had found a man
who knew how to make government work for
people—a leader whose number one priority was
always people. Committed to fulfilling this man-
date, Governor Schaefer has promised to bring a
"hands on, heads up" approach to state govern-
ment. One of his best known directives to staff is:
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