POUGHKEEPSIE JOURNAL (New York) 27 June 06 Snapping turtle bill clears Legislature
Hudson Valley students and a Pleasant Valley woman were successful Friday when the state Legislature designated the snapping turtle as the official state reptile.
Pleasant Valley resident Jude Holdsworth started the drive to name a state reptile last year, after learning the state had a designated drink (milk) and muffin (apple), but no emblematic turtle.
Assemblyman Joel Miller, R-Poughkeepsie, took up her cause and asked schoolchildren to vote for the species of turtle that best represents New York. They chose the snapping turtle, apparently for its tenacious ubiquity.
With approval from the Legislature, the bill goes to Gov. George Pataki for his signature.
Miller said Friday he was proud to give students this opportunity to participate in, and learn about, the legislative process. He said he was disappointed the bill came to a vote after schools let out for the summer.
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060627/NEWS04/606270323/1006/NEWS01
