Political Quotes

“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.…”