Thursday, March 13, 2008

For years a select group of Utah legislators have taken a junket after the legislative session to St. George where lobbyists have treated them to rounds of golf and milkshakes, and dined them for several days.
It's always been a private tryst and the lawmakers and lobbyists have taken heat from the media about the apparent unseemliness of the cliquish frolicking.
But Rep. Brad Last, R-St. George, has taken that traditional trip that symbolized the often-criticized practice, and turned it into an open, charitable and positive experience.
Knowing many legislators and lobbyists would be coming to St. George this weekend for the annual bash, Last has initiated a benefit golf tournament where the players make contributions to a foundation he has set up to pay for hospice care for those in need who can't afford it.
And he has invited everybody, not just a select few.
The tournament, which will be held Friday, is for the Garth B. Last Foundation, which Rep. Last created in honor of his late father, a legendary country doctor in southwestern Utah who was known for making house calls throughout the region.
Everybody seems to feel good about this event, and the lobbyists I talked to say they appreciate being able to spend their money while wooing legislators on a worthy cause.

Cheers,
Paul Rolly