I usually enjoy reading the generally well thought-out letters to the editor printed in the Sun Journal. Every once in a while, someone comes along with a close-minded opinion, such as that of Dr. Thomas Shields (Jan. 14).

Shields begins with kudos to the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, then resorts to bashing the Democrats in the state Legislature, as he has done in numerous past letters published by the Sun Journal.

It is close-minded opinions such as Shields’ that make bipartisan legislation difficult, if not a complete impossibility. It seems to me legislators should be working toward the same goal – enacting laws for the benefit of the citizens of Maine – rather than using their energy to further distance the parties. I am tired of hearing representatives argue about which party is right. This party-bashing simply needs to stop, as it is a waste of tax dollars and promotes further distrust and distance among the people these elected officials are sworn to serve.

In future elections, I will do just as Shields has asked: I will “Consider carefully which candidate” I want to support in the next election. That support will not include mudslingers and party hardliners.

I hope others citizens do the same to send a message to those elected that we refuse to listen to such garbage.

Denise Langlais, Lewiston