In his criticism of Sen. Chris Buttars, Clayton Draper (Readers' Forum, Feb. 20) incorrectly concludes that his "tax dollars" are going into Mr. Buttars "Boys Ranch." Mr. Buttars stepped down as the executive director of the now Westridge Academy several years ago. Also glaringly inaccurate is the assumption that Westridge is supported by "tax dollars."
Westridge Academy is a privately sponsored residential treatment program for at-risk boys and girls that accepts no government money at all. This offers the program there both great benefit to its youths as well as challenges.
I would encourage Mr. Draper to contact Mr. Ken Allen and arrange a private tour of the campus and witness firsthand the miracles that it provides for families and youths in crisis. Perhaps he would, thusly educated, be willing to donate to the program as we have done for nearly a decade.
Kirk M. Gilmore
North Salt Lake