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Rep. Nick J. Rahall

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a fellow West Virginian, William Dotson, who is the honored inductee of the West Virginia Affordable Housing Hall of Fame.

It is fitting that the community of housing professionals honor Bill because of his sterling record of commitment to our communities. He has earned the right to take pride in his holistic view of building a team in the office, and his successful planning gives us equal license to be proud of the many neighborhoods enhanced and communities strengthened by his vision.

Much more than an excellent public administrator, Bill pushed budgets and programs to fruition on little more than compassion and hope, and in the end, the course of people's lives were forever changed. His resume of experience and professional participation exhausts the reader, but it pales in comparison to the individuals and families to whom he provided dignity and proved the worth of the human endeavor.

Too often words like ``commitment'' and ``dedication'' and expressions such as ``long hours of hard work'' are bantered about, and then we meet someone with Bill's achievements. Words seem hardly enough.

Yet, what the public sector lacks in volume--namely money--it easily makes up for in heartfelt thanks. While Bill cannot cash it in any earthly banks, he can invest it here on a nice-sized spread that awaits him through the Pearly Gates.

And, while the poet could easily honor Bill as ``the friend of man,'' our great honor is to call him our friend, and offer him sincere congratulations.