The definition of gadfly, as provided by Merriam-Webster: “A person who stimulates or annoys, especially by persistent criticism.” While Seattle stalwart Dave Meinert tends to stimulate the Weekly more than he annoys us, there’s no question the man isn’t afraid to speak his mind. It’s a fact he’s proven time and time again over the years, whether helping to bring down the hated Teen Dance Ordinance back in the day, more recently panning the state Liquor Control Board for denying Seattle the chance of later bar hours, or banning Google Glass inside his 5 Point Cafe in Belltown (which was genius, by the way). An experienced music promoter, a shrewd businessman, and now a respected voice inside City Hall (he’s been involved in the ongoing City Center Initiative roundtable discussions, for example)—if Meinert’s views can sometimes infuriate elements of this city, there’s no question he provides stimulations and annoyances that make Seattle more interesting.