Without doubt, Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, made a serious verbal mistake during legislative debate that demanded the apology he promptly delivered. The subsequent judgments and characterizations that have been made of this man are simply inaccurate.

I have known him as a friend and neighbor for more than a dozen years. As with every elected official, he is not 100 percent congruent with my views, but I find in him decency combined with strength to act on his convictions. He is headstrong, which precipitated the current situation, but I also know him to be firm, unwavering and resolute with respect to time-honored values. He is deeply committed to principles that are important to me as a citizen of this state and country.

Many have misjudged him based on his regrettable comment uttered in spirited debate. They sadly demonstrate that the dream is not yet realized where a man is judged by the content of his character.

Kevin Luke

West Jordan