william donald schaefer (november 2, 1921 – april 18, 2011) was an american politician. he was a democrat. he was the 44th mayor of baltimore from december 1971 to january 1987, the 58th governor of maryland from january 21, 1987 to january 18, 1995. he also was the 32nd comptroller of maryland from january 20, 1999 to january 17, 2007.