Gov. Gregoire signs bill to save Little League ball fields

For Immediate Release: May 12, 2005

OLYMPIA� May 12, 2005 � Gov. Christine Gregoire today signed into law a bill to save Little League ball fields in Snohomish County and threw out the first pitch in an exhibition Little League game.

The bill was necessary after Snohomish County was challenged to comply with the Growth Management Act and planned to close the fields. The bill signed by the governor gives the fields permanent protection without changing the long-term objectives of the Growth Management Act.

�As a mom, I�ve spent a lot of time at ball fields like this one,� said Gregoire. �We just can�t afford to lose the fields we have � they�re too precious.�

The governor thanked the parents, coaches and volunteers who built the field, saying, �Your dedication means the world to these kids and you are making the future better for all of us.�

After the bill signing, the governor threw out the first pitch in an exhibition Little League game.

The governor is a long-time advocate of youth sports. She played basketball in high school and both of her daughters played soccer and basketball. The governor�s youngest daughter, Michelle, plays soccer at Willamette University.

�I learned a lot playing team sports,� said Gregoire. �Our kids need those lessons today more than ever before.�