I recently attended the Rental Housing Authority dinner and listened to the candidates for governor from both parties. They were asked what keeps them up at night. It was Jonathan Bush’s answer, to a different question, that has kept me up at night. 

The discussion centered on a successful $11 million Maine program providing emergency rent assistance, which keeps families housed without burdening landlords. It was emphasized that the alternative — families on the street — carries a much higher public cost. 

I was unsettled by Mr. Bush’s cavalier response that he would never consider such a program. There was no pause or apparent consideration for the human reality of these situations.

I expect that these candidates have made mistakes or misjudgments, needing grace from family, co-workers or friends. I ask that they remember those moments before passing such harsh judgments on the very people they wish to govern in Maine.

Nancy MacCausland
Portland