THE BIRTH OF A LEGEND
How a Miss Universe, a Jetway, and a 9‑Year‑Old Boy Became Maryland’s Greek Uncle — and Why His Influence Is Still Growing
Some political legends begin with speeches.
Some begin with elections.
This one begins on the tarmac at Friendship Airport, a Greek Miss Universe stepping off an Eastern Airlines flight, a handmade sign reading “Miss Universe Bravo,” and a 9‑year‑old boy in a traditional foustanella uniform.
That boy was Clemis Kaikis.
And this was the moment politics claimed him — not as a spectator, but as a future architect of Maryland’s political landscape.
I. The Tarmac Moment — A Community on Display
The photograph — grainy, black‑and‑white, unmistakably of its era — captures a moment that would have meant little to the outside world but everything to Baltimore’s Greek community.
A Greek Miss Universe had arrived in Baltimore.
Peter Angelos, already a major Democratic figure and a pillar of the Greek community, orchestrated the welcome:
- Greek citizens waving signs
- traditional dress
- community pride
- and a young boy chosen to represent the future
That boy was Clem.
Angelos then arranged a limousine to take Miss Universe, Clem, and himself downtown to meet William Donald Schaefer, then running for Baltimore City Council President. It was classic Baltimore politics:
honor the community, honor the dignitary, honor the rising politician.
It was also the moment a child stepped into the frame — and never stepped out.
II. The Throwaway Line That Changed Everything
On the steps of City Hall, Schaefer did what Schaefer always did: he talked to everyone, especially the kid.
Clem told him he lived across from an empty city‑owned lot.
He told him the neighborhood kids wanted a basketball court.
Schaefer made a deal:
> “Get your friends out campaigning for me, and I’ll get you that court.”
Clem delivered.
The kids delivered.
Schaefer delivered.
The basketball court is still there.
That was the moment Clem found his place in the world.
And Schaefer found an ally who would stay with him for life.
III. The Long March — From Schaefer’s Baltimore to Baltimore County
Clem stayed with Schaefer through every rung of the ladder:
- City Council President
- Mayor
- Governor
- Comptroller
He learned the old‑school Baltimore style: loyalty, service, neighborhood politics, and the belief that government exists to help ordinary people.
When Clem moved to Baltimore County, he didn’t leave politics behind — he brought the city with him.
He became a partner and part‑owner of Paul’s Restaurant in Arbutus, home of the Knights of the Political Round Table, one of the most influential political circles in the county.
He worked with:
- Dutch Ruppersberger
- Jim Smith
- Kathleen Kausmeyer
- Peter Franchot
- Len Foxwell
- Brooke Lierman
He became the bridge between the old Baltimore machine and the rising Baltimore County Democratic structure.
IV. Clem the Deal‑Maker — The Angelos–Franchot Standoff
One of the most important stories — and one almost nobody outside the inner circle knows — is the Angelos–Franchot lease war.
Peter Angelos owned major Baltimore real estate with state leases.
There was a dispute.
There were hard feelings.
There was a standoff.
Peter Angelos on one side.
Peter Franchot on the other.
No movement.
No progress.
Then the Comptroller sent in Clem.
Clem walked into the room as the leader of the Greek community.
He walked out with a deal.
A deal that:
- saved face for Angelos
- protected the state
- satisfied Franchot
- and avoided a political explosion
That’s the hallmark of a Clem deal:
nobody gets hurt, everybody gets respected, and everyone walks away with something.
V. The Klausmeyer Appointment — Another Classic Clem Deal
When Johnny Olszewski moved to Congress, Baltimore County needed a new County Executive.
Clem saw the danger:
If the council appointed someone who planned to run for a full term, it would give that person an unfair advantage in the upcoming race.
So Clem crafted a solution:
Appoint Kathy Klausmeyer, a respected state senator who was finishing her final term and would not run again.
The result:
- Kathy leaves the Senate on a high note
- The county gets a steady hand
- No candidate gets a head start
- The race stays fair
That’s Clem’s philosophy:
find the deal that benefits everyone.
VI. Clem the Fundraiser — A Quiet Powerhouse
Even while working for the Comptroller — who, frankly, doesn’t use his political skills to their full potential — Clem has become a major fundraiser in his own right.
He has raised significant money for:
- Governor Wes Moore
- county executives
- state legislators
- local candidates
- community causes
He raises money the old‑fashioned way:
with trust, respect, and relationships built over 60 years.
VII. Clem the Greek — A Man of Philotimo
Clem was born in America, but he carries 3,000 years of Greek heritage in his blood.
He embodies philotimo — the Greek concept of honor, duty, dignity, and doing right by others.
If we were to compare him to a Greek hero, the closest match is
Odysseus
- not because of war
- not because of conquest
- but because of cunning, loyalty, endurance, and the ability to navigate complex human terrain
Odysseus was the man who could walk into any room, read every person in it, and find the path that led everyone home.
That’s Clem.
A man who:
- honors his community
- protects the vulnerable
- respects the powerful without bowing to them
- and always finds the deal that leaves everyone whole
A modern Odysseus in Maryland politics.
VIII. The Next Chapter — Recognition and Rising Influence
For decades, Clem worked behind the scenes.
He put others out front.
He built the deals, the coalitions, the bridges — and let others take the credit.
But now, at this stage of his life, recognition isn’t just overdue.
It’s strategic.
By acknowledging his accomplishments, we accelerate his influence.
We expand his reach.
We empower him to help more people, shape more outcomes, and strengthen more communities.
This isn’t an obituary.
This is a beginning.
Clem’s next chapter is the one where the man behind the curtain finally steps into the light — not for ego, but for impact.
IX. The Final Truth
William Donald Schaefer was a great man.
But even great men need great people around them.
And in many ways, Schaefer was great because people like Clem made him great.
This is the story the photograph tells.
This is the story we publish.
This is the story that deserves to be preserved.