What a stinkin' mess. The Seattle City Council's Friday meeting, when it voted on the language of the advisory ballot for how the Alaskan Way Viaduct should be replaced, was emblematic of just how badly this city is flailing.

Should they allow public comment on a Friday meeting? No. Can't just waive the rules. Except for when you do. OK then. Should each person be allowed to speak for two minutes or three? Two it is. So only 10 people should speak. Only 14 had lined up. All right then. Before the meeting, even council President Nick Licata didn't seem to see much of a point to having us vote.

"I'm not sure there is a good point to it," said Licata, who favors a rebuilt viaduct (along the lines of Gov. Chris Gregoire's position).

Here's what was decided: Seattleites will vote on two options, an elevated roadway ($2.8 billion) and the mini, four-lane tunnel ($3.41 billion) that Mayor Greg Nickels pitched to Gregoire on Wednesday. Yup, the one she rejected.

They will be voted on separately (rather than giving voters one either/or question), which means both could pass.

What would that mean? Heck if they know. Pro-tunnel supporters such as Jan Drago and the mayor hope to get enough votes on the smaller tunnel (which they're calling a "surface hybrid" to make it seem less tunnel-like) to put pressure on the state.

Council members seemed to know that the vote is pointless, and when Peter Steinbrueck called it "a sham" no one seemed to disagree. We sure don't.

Soundoff (Read 4 comments)
Tell us what's on your mind.