The greatest legacy of William Donald Schaefer is that he prevented Baltimore from becoming another Detroit or Newark or Camden. Because of his visionary policies, Baltimore was transformed from a dying, industrial-based city to one driven by tourism, health and IT. He restored hope to a city devastated by the riots in 1968 and by sheer force of will created the conditions that have led to the revitalization of neighborhoods like Federal Hill, Canton and Fells Point. His "do it now" philosophy and his complete devotion to the city of Baltimore has left a record of unmatched achievement. May he rest in peace.
Marc Raim, Baltimore