[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 101 (Tuesday, June 14, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2938]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO DANA TOTMAN

  Mr. KING. Mr. President, today I wish to recognize Dana Totman for 
his 22 years of service at Avesta Housing and congratulate him on a 
well-deserved retirement. Under his leadership, Avesta Housing became 
northern New England's largest housing nonprofit and transformed the 
lives of individuals and families across Maine. Dana has been a 
tireless advocate for affordable housing and made it clear how 
drastically it improves lives and strengthens communities.
  While Dana cares about the bricks and mortar that become the homes of 
many, he cares most about the people who get to call these places home. 
It is these individuals who drive his passion. The Maine Affordable 
Housing Coalition, created by Dana, exemplifies his vision by giving 
those in need a voice and the ability to advocate for themselves.
  During the 2009 recession, Dana found a creative way to increase the 
supply of affordable homes through the development of a $50 million 
bond proposal. Known as the Green Affordable Housing Bond, this allowed 
low-income Mainers to obtain affordable, energy-efficient homes, and 
created jobs in the construction, architectural, and engineering 
sectors. Subsequently, when Maine seniors needed a voice for their 
growing housing needs, Dana created and promoted the $15 million Maine 
Affordable Housing Bond, the effort garnered support from 69 percent of 
Maine voters--one of the largest margin wins of a State bond 
initiative.
  Throughout his career, Dana navigated through the many obstacles and 
challenges Avesta Housing faced. His humility and quiet demeanor 
brought people and organizations together to demonstrate how affordable 
housing significantly strengthens communities' well-being. His ability 
to work closely with neighbors, listen to concerns, and understand the 
whole picture, furthered Avesta Housing's mission of giving everyone, 
regardless of socioeconomic status, age, or race, a chance to have a 
home.
  Dana was raised on a Topsham dairy farm, and later lived in 
Brunswick, where he and his wife raised their two sons and were members 
of the school community as parents. Dana also volunteered to coach 
soccer and baseball teams, imparting many life lessons to the kids. He 
continues to mentor young people, inspiring future generations to 
dedicate their lives to giving back to their communities.
  Maine's business community has recognized Dana multiple times over 
the years for his exceptional leadership and contributions to equitable 
housing in Maine. It is a privilege to join with his colleagues, 
friends, and the people of Maine in recognizing Dana for demonstrating 
innovation, true excellence in his work, and unwavering compassion to 
those seeking--and finding--a home.

                          ____________________