City of Kenai v. Kenai Peninsula Newspapers, Inc.

I dissent from the majority opinion. In my view the phrase “all agencies and departments” does not encompass municipal agencies.

*1327Before analyzing the language at issue, it is helpful to first set out some general rules of statutory construction. The common and approved usage of words and phrases is to be given effect, “unless such words and phrases have acquired peculiar meaning by virtue of statutory definition or judicial construction.” Lynch v. McCann, 478 P.2d 835, 837 (Alaska 1970); 2A C. Sands, Sutherland Statutory Construction § 46.01, at 48-9 (4th ed. 1974).1 “[WJhere the legislative…