excerpt
Whispers ran through the audience. As Swan spoke, Engine
Fred saw a tall man with powerful shoulders enter the chamber
through a door in the wall behind the council table. The man stood
looking out at the audience. I’ve seen him somewhere, Fred
thought.
“However, our population does not qualify us to be considered a
first class city under the state’s definition. Therefore, section 34
does not apply.”
At the end of the table, a large councilman’s face reddened. His
jowls shook as he spoke.
“Mr. President, I move that this council go on record as recognizing
that we are a first class city in every respect, I don’t care what
some state law says. Why, there’s no greater place in the United
States to raise a family and……”
“Mr. Stout,” Spear said, “I’m sure we all agree with that sentiment,
but I would like to ask you to hold your motion for a regular
meeting of the council. Mr. Swan, you may proceed.”
Swan cleared his throat. “There is another section of the code
that may apply in this matter. RCW 9.66.010 says, ‘A public nuisance
is a crime against the order and economy of the state. Every
place (1) Wherein any fighting between people or animals or birds
shall be conducted; or, (2) Wherein any intoxicating liquors are
kept for unlawful use, sale or distribution; or,’ ” Swan paused,
cleared his throat and ran his hand down his tie and shirt front.
What an annoying little man, Fred thought. The way he reads
those numbers, you can see the parentheses.
“ ‘or, (3) Where vagrants resort; and every act unlawfully done
and every omission to perform a duty, which act or omission (1)
Shall annoy, injure or endanger the safety, health, comfort, or
repose of any considerable number of persons; or, (2) Shall offend
public decency; or, (3) Shall unlawfully interfere with, befoul,
obstruct, or tend to obstruct, or render dangerous for passage, a lake,
navigable river, bay, stream, canal or basin, or a public park, square,
street, alley, highway, or municipal transit vehicle or station; or, (4)
Shall in any way render a considerable number of persons insecure…
Manolis Aligizakis 