This morning Judge Berns of the King County Superior Court ruled in the favor of Burien Communities for Inclusion in their lawsuit against Respect Washington, King County Elections and the City of Burien granting their injunction on all grounds asserted.  Unless Respect Washington is able to get into the Court of Appeals by end of day to be heard for emergency relief, King County Elections will print the ballots for the November election without Measure 1 on them.

Who: Burien Communities For Inclusion

What: Wins lawsuit to remove Burien Initiative Measure No. 1 from ballot.

Where: Maleng Regional Justice Center, 401 4th Ave N, Kent, WA 98032

When: 10:00 am on Thursday, Sept. 14 

The lawsuit advocated for the removal of Burien Initiative Measure No.1 from the ballot on the grounds that 1) The petition exceeds the initiative authority of the people of Burien by stripping power granted by the Legislature to the Burien City Council and providing improper administrative instruction to City officials and 2) The petition violated legal requirements for petitions by presenting inflammatory language and other extraneous content to garner support. Judge Berns’ ruling signals a victory over this outrageous attempt to strip the Burien City Council of its power to regulate its city officials’ and agents’ conduct in a way that keeps Burien residents, including its immigrant communities, safe.

Many Burien residents and are overjoyed with this news.

Jennifer Fichamba and local teacher and community member, shared that her family will feel safe knowing that their city will continue to be inclusive and welcoming. Fichamba along with other members of the Burien Represent coalition, organized against Burien Initiative Measure No.1 because of the devastating effects it would have on their community. “I believe that this initiative and Respect Washington is actively dividing our community. Many of my neighbors, friends and family are feeling overwhelmed and concerned that this outside organization (Respect Washington) is bringing outside money to push an anti-immigrant agenda,” Fichamba stated in her declaration to the court.

Safety was a top concern for the groups fighting against Burien Initiative Measure No. 1. Many believed that if the measure were to pass, it would erode trust between residents and local officials and that residents would no longer feel safe communicating with officers especially when reporting crimes. Long time resident, Hugo Garcia shared that he is happy the lawsuit was successful and that Burien will continue to be a welcoming and inclusive city that cherishes the people of all backgrounds that are proud to call Burien home.