William Donald Schaefer: A Political Biography by Fraser Smith

[Pendrench]

Hello -

Has anyone read the Schaefer biography written by Fraser Smith? I've started it a couple times, but I've never gotten through the whole thing (other books of greater interest grab my attention). I might try to give it another go this summer (when we go on vacation).

I'm pretty sure that it was written before Schaefer's stint as the Comptroller (I think that it would be interesting to see an updated edition one day that covers this period as well).

Thanks -

Tim

[Stinky The Clown]

1. I've not read the book, but what is your opinion of Scheafer?

We moved to Baltimore in 1979. My impression back then is that he could walk on water. The quintessential mayor who put his city before anything and who was adored by the citizens.

Since then he has never failed to disappoint. He seems to go farther and farther right.

Today, he strikes me as a mean spirited, bigoted, curmudgeon.

Is this view shared by anyone?

[seemunkee]

2. Governor of Baltimore

my opinion of his time as the Gov. I hope O'Malley isn't the same way if he gets elected

[Pendrench]

3. Funny you should ask...

Hello -

Originally, instead of asking about the Fraser Smith book, I was going to ask if anyone else had heard the radio spots with Ehrlich and Schaefer talking about using speed passes to cross the Bay Bridge (and other tips on what to do when heading "down the ocean")...for some reason the first time I heard this spot it really bothered me.

I'm not sure if it was because I felt that Ehrlich was trying to latch on to whatever good feelings that Schaefer still inspires (in some, at least - those who still thinks he walks on water) or if it was because I was uncomfortable with Schaefer acting all "buddy-buddy" with Ehrlich...maybe its both.

Anyway, with all due respect to him, I think that W.D. Schaefer has no real life outside of politics, and will do anything to hang on to his political power/status (and the accompanying limelight).

Tim

[nickshepDEM]

4. If it means anything...

He endorsed George H.W. Bush over Bill Clinton in 1992.

[Stinky The Clown]

5. Yeah, I know ......

....... s'why I said he's been leaning right for a long time.

[aintitfunny]

6. I agree and understand that

Franchot will be seeking the Comptroller Job, and he will have my support.

[freestyle]

7. Tool of big business, always has been, always will be

Schaefer is all about the money and any pretensions to concern for everyday people are bullshit. The vast majority of Baltimoreans were not helped even a little during his tenure as Mayor. Wille Don cares about his cronies and his position and nothing else. It is way past time for him to go.

[Stinky The Clown]

8. A walk down memory lane .. who was mayor when the Baltimore dollar house

program was put in place? It was .... what? .... late 60s? early 70s?

[freestyle]

9. I'll give him credit for that, and that's about it.

The focus was always on downtown, and even the dollar house program was very limited in area. I am a lifelong Baltimorean and have seen little to applaud in any mayoral administration in my lifetime, which began in the early Schaefer years. We have so many assets that we fail to capitalize on.

[Stinky The Clown]

10. That program started before I moved to Maryland, so I wasn't sure who was

mayor back then.

I'm not a particularly strong Scheaffer backer or detractor. I'm kinda neutral to slightly negative on him. But credit where its due gives him high marks for two things.

The dollar house program went a long way to revitalize a lot of real estate, even beyond the (admittedly) limited nature of that original program. In many ways, the vibrancy of Baltimore today is the direct result of that program.

I also say he did a great job with the Inner Harbor. I recall being there on its dedication day. The civic pride was palpable. Sure, all that investment was commercial, but it gave a huge intangible. It put Baltimore back on the map. It made it more than a dirty spot people saw off I-95 on their way to DC. Where the dollar houses brought whole neighborhoods back from the brink, the Inner Harbor gave the whole city (and region, for that matter) a big civic boost.

Have other things been lacking? Of course they have. I agree with you completely that there are many resources in Baltimore that haven't been tapped. There are many other things the city needs that go undone year after year, mayor after mayor. But on the whole, it seems to me to be doing better than a lot of other cities of its size and standing.

But back to Scheaffer ... for me he's a big :shrug: