I was sorry to read, “McKernan has plan to preserve youth center” (BDN, June 29). The 100-year-old facility is not a historical landmark. It doesn’t deserve preserving.

If Maine truly believes in family values it should close the youth center, and contract all services necessary from private vendors. These services should be spread over the entire state so that parents, family, of a child from Fort Kent are able to visit their committed child more than once a year.

The following questions need answering:

(1) Is the youth center operated in the best interests of the children served?

(2) Is the youth center operated to provide jobs for its employees?

(3) Is the Maine taxpayer getting the best possible value for its juvenile corrections dollar?

(4) If Massachusetts (population 4.5 million) locks up 101 children, why is Maine (population 1.1 million) locking up 273 children?

I understand the special interest groups which have profited from the youth center over the years have the politicians running for cover. Maine citizens can make them run the other way. Do we need a multi-million dollar jobs program for South Portland? Harry H. Snyder III Whiting