Do you trust the government to take care of you in times of trouble?

Carolyn Watts, 25, Casco

“Yes. They don’t jump right in things in the beginning but in my view, they are normally there in the end. I trust the government.”

Christine Coughlin, 38, Windham

“I’d count more on myself and my family than I would on the government to do what needs to be done.”

Norman Pond, 49, Baldwin

“As a rule, it’s okay. But it seems when there’s a major catastrophe, they’re in awe, or star-struck or something. Then, after a few days, they’ll take right off and run with it. They’re real slow to respond.”

Amy Labrecque, 42, Naples

“Absolutely. For one thing, our president is a Christian and I believe he does and will do the right thing. My second reason is that Bush is pretty straightforward and you can trust people who are straightforward.”

Leonard Whitford, 74, Standish

“Yes, I do. If we can’t trust the government to take care of us, who can we trust? God’s the only other one. I’m a retired chief for the Coast Guard. I was part of the government that helped people, so I know they can be trusted.”

Brian Roberts, 20, Casco

“Yes, pretty much, because they always have been there when we needed them, and also because half of my friends are in the military. They just got out of Marine boot camp and were sent down from North Carolina to give aid. And they’re doing all they can.”