Statue and Celebration Commemorate Former Baltimore Mayor BALTIMORE, MD (wypr) - A statue of William Donald Schaefer, Baltimore's "Do It Now" mayor, was unveiled yesterday at the scene of his signature achievement, the Inner Harbor. WYPR's Senior News Analyst Fraser Smith was there and filed this report.

The U.S, Maryland and Baltimore flags kept the seven-foot-likeness under wraps. City Fire boats sent arcing plumes of water into the harbor. The City College marching band marched.

And the Morgan State University chorus sang, as hundreds of Baltimoreans turned out to salute the man who led Baltimore in its quest for a spiritual and physical renaissance.

Almost as many public officials, past and present, joined them yesterday to salute William Donald Schaefer on his 88th birthday.

They were there to sing "Happy Birthday" and to see the new bronze likeness.

Sheila Villa, born and raised in Baltimore, came with her husband, Jose. She wanted to show her appreciation.

"He did a lot for the city. He really did a lot. He brought the harbor back. It was a mess. "

Randy Evans, one of Schaefer's action aides, said the former mayor, governor and comptroller had an incandescent vision for the city. He could lead, Evans said, because he worked so hard himself.

"There was no obstacle when he wanted to make something happen."

Evans said Schaefer was like your old footfall coach

"The sort of guy you run through a brick wall for."

Daryl Plevy, an adviser on matters of law and many other things, echoed Evans and many others on what made Schaefer special.

"More than anything else, it was his total and complete commitment to do the best he possibly could To have seen how much people really care about him really matters."

Robert Embry, head of the Abell Foundation, who worked in city government as the Inner Harbor plan took shape, said the statue was a fitting tribute.

"It's too bad more people don't know what he accomplished but it's a small token of what he contributed and long overdue."

Governor O'Malley said his approach to an enormous budget deficit is part of the cycle of economies that snared Schaefer, too.

"Tough times don't last, but tough people do. And that was the kind of leadership governor Schaefer always provided. and that's what we're trying to do now. There will be a better day. We just need to hang together and realize the important values that unite us, the things we have to cling to in tough times "

From the speaker's rostrum, he said, he was able to see the people who had been part of the Schaefer years.

"They represent the best of Baltimore and that's what he was so good at making us see the best in one another."

Former Congresswoman Connie Morella was in the crowd.

"I have great memories of Willie Don."

She said Schaefer deserved all the accolades.

"This is a man whose roots are right here in the city . .. "

And it wasn't just buildings he built.

"He also helped with some women who were incarcerated at Jessup getting Secretary Robinson to look at their backgrounds in terms of battered women' syndrome. So I've seen him in many different guises. So, this was perfect for him. Perfect place. Great group. Great birthday."

Former Governor Robert Ehrlich said spoke of Schaefer's one of a kind approach to politics.

" Quirky, not comfortable with people, not too interested in a lot of issues. It's a very unique combination. It's this place at this time it worked."

And Mark Wasserman. Schaefer's former physical development chief, was one of many who remarked on the affection people have for the former mayor.

"Well this was over powering in the full sweep of people who've been affected by the governor.

And best of all, Wasserman said, the festivities touched, Schaefer deeply.

"I know people in the audience took something away but for the governor, this will keep him going for weeks if not months."
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