The Utah Congressional Golf Challenge is like a child's smiling/frowning face puzzle: Seen one way, it's a charity event that makes life happier for families and battered women and children; from another perspective, however, it's yet another junket for lawmakers, with favor-seeking lobbyists footing the bill.
Whichever way the event is viewed, one thing seems certain - for good or evil, Aug. 20 is the last date for the golf challenge in its original form.On July 28 the U.S. Senate passed a ban on members accepting free trips unrelated to their official duties. The problem with the golf challenge is that it was perceived as being too much tied to the senators' official duties in a way that raises the hackles of the voters.
On the positive side, the event has produced $790,000 for charities since it was started by Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, in 1991. Women's shelters have benefited, along with programs providing housing for families of children in hospitals and young sex-abuse victims needing counseling.
But Congress is finally listening to the public's demand for lobbyist reform, and the Senate gift-restriction rule will go into effect Jan. 1. Voters abhor the free-spending lobbyist image and want their representatives to quit owing allegiance to special interest groups.
Beginning in 1996, senators will at least avoid the appearance of evil, though there are ways around any rule, and members of Congress are notorious for finding creative ways to continue allowing themselves such perks.
It would be a shame if Hatch's golf challenge were to be scrapped. It provides help to the needy and promotes Utah's recreational venues. But the lawmakers involved can certainly afford to pay for the trip themselves.
The annual Senators' Ski Cup in Park City sponsored by former Sen. Jake Garn will continue this winter after adopting new rules to conform to the gift restriction. It has provided about $1.6 million for Primary Children's Medical Center.
Both events can and should put on one consistent face, providing needed services without tarnishing the images of participants.