I find Rep. Thomas F. Shields’ letter to the editor (Sept. 21) ironic and misleading. Rep. Shields begs readers to look at New Hampshire, so let’s take a good look at the Granite State.

A Sun Journal article titled “N.H. house prices freeze out young,” is a good place to start.

In New Hampshire, the median price of a single-family home last year was the sixth highest in the nation.

New Hampshire “relies heavily on property taxes, communities don’t want low- or moderate-income housing because they believe it will cost them more in services than they collect in taxes,” the article states. Essentially, N.H. makes it nearly impossible for working-class families to find affordable housing.

In New Hampshire, the lack of affordable housing keeps rents in the state among the highest in the nation. People who work in Concord, N.H., such as hospital and city employees, cannot afford to live where they work.

Does Maine really want to be compared with New Hampshire?

If Maine residents consisted only of the healthy and the wealthy, would Rep. Shields feel less shame?

Mainers are unique and don’t wish to take on New Hampshire’s lifestyle.

Republicans such as Rep. Shields fail to understand communal responsibility, which is at the heart of Maine’s values and the values of the Democratic Party.

Diane Poirier, Lewiston