Schaefer Is Retiring, But Never Shy

On Last Day of Work, Md. Politician Offers Final Zingers

Throngs of employees greeted Maryland Comptroller William Donald Schaefer for his last day of work at the Revenue Administration Building in Annapolis. Well-wishers held signs -- "A tip of my hat for a job well done," one said -- as Schaefer was given a bouquet of roses and a top hat. (Photos By Marvin Joseph -- The Washington Post)

William Donald Schaefer has no illusions about what will happen when he leaves public office Monday after more than half a century.

"Nobody cares. Once you're out, you're gone," he said. "In two weeks they won't know my name, and I'm giving myself an extra week."

Even so, hundreds of employees lined the entrance to the Revenue Administration Building in Annapolis yesterday, awaiting Schaefer's arrival for his last day of work as Maryland comptroller.

Shivering in the early morning cold, the well-wishers held up signs: "We love you boss," said one. "A tip of my hat for a job well done," read another. And "Little girls for Schaefer" -- a reference to one of the many politically incorrect phrases that he blames for ending one of the most storied and colorful careers in Maryland politics.

As the car carrying the comptroller pulled up, the Annapolis High School band began playing and the Maryland National Guard's color guard stood at attention.

Schaefer, 85, stepped onto a red carpet and was presented a bouquet of roses and a top hat. His eyes welled up, and he clutched a handkerchief. For once, Schaefer was speechless.

He has long been a dominant figure in Maryland politics. He began in the 1950s as a member of the Baltimore City Council, then served four memorable terms as the mayor who revitalized Baltimore. Next came two fiery terms as governor. And just when it seemed he was done, Schaefer became state comptroller, a powerful post overseeing fiscal matters, in 1998.

Schaefer was a flamboyant figure, a can-do, red-tape-cutting populist with a penchant for outrageous comments. But in the end, his antics overshadowed his actions. Voters were not impressed when he ogled a young woman at a public meeting or dismissed Democratic primary rival Janet S. Owens as "Mother Hubbard." A third candidate, former delegate Peter Franchot (D), won the primary and subsequent election and will be sworn in Monday.

"I beat myself with my big mouth," Schaefer said last week.

Now, Schaefer insists he is through with elected office. "I had a long, good run. The end wasn't as happy as it should be. I might have tried once too often, and I wasn't watching my back."

What Schaefer will do next remains a mystery. He is setting up an office in the 1st Mariner Bank Building in Baltimore. "Nice office. Good view," he said.

How about running for mayor of Ocean City, where he owns a house? Schaefer had wryly suggested he might do that after he lost the primary. "That's just a joke," he said.