The economy is in a state of contrasts at the moment: Inflation has reached its highest levels in a generation. Counter that with what has been a sustained hot streak in the labor market, with unemployment at historic lows nationally — and just 2.2% in New Hampshire. Wages are also rising, though not as fast as prices.

As the race for New Hampshire governor comes to a close, incumbent Republican Chris Sununu and Democratic state Sen. Tom Sherman are painting stark contrasts on how workers, the wealthy and those in search of affordable housing are faring, and what the state should do.

Earlier this year, Sununu introduced a new plan he says will boost affordable housing in the state. Called InvestNH, it uses $100 million in federal pandemic relief aid to spur construction, including $50 million to developers who face financing shortfalls to build multi-family rental units.

Sununu’s plan also awards up to $10,000 to a town for each unit of housing its local planning board approves. Other money is available to cover the cost of demolition for derelict buildings.

Sherman has his own housing plan, known as Building New Hampshire Values. It would use money from the state’s budget surplus to encourage municipalities to update their zoning codes. Sherman would also expand two tax credit programs already in place, and double the funding pool for job training programs for workers who enter the trades, including carpenters, plumbers and electricians.

Sherman has criticized Sununu for...

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