An inflammatory letter, listing names of immigrants and criminal offenses, sponsored by a group called Respect Washington was mailed to Burien residents this week and quickly drew official condemnation. Conservative candidates in Burien are hoping to  the city's Sanctuary status up for a vote in November.

Based in Federal Way the organization was founded by West Seattleite Craig Keller who ran for congress twice in the past. It is tiny, with less than 100 Facebook followers though claims statewide presence.

The letter deals with Burien Initiative No. 1 which they have been working to get on the ballot. It states:

Burien Initiative No.1 concerns immigration inquires. This measure would repeal BMC 2.26 "IMMIGRATION INQUIRIES PROHIBITED" [Ordinance 651], amend Chapter 9 Public Peace.

Morals and Welfare and prohibit City of Burien form regulating the acquisition of immigration status or religious affiliation without majority votes of the council and voters.

Should this measure be enacted into law?

Yes...[ ]

No....[ ]

The sanctuary repeal measure was taken off the ballot in September because as King County Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Berns said it “exceeds the scope of the initiative authority granted to the people of the City of Burien.”

The letter also included a list of immigrants names and the crimes they allegedly committed including addresses. It is unclear if any of the names, crimes or addresses are verified.

King County Executive Dow Constantine in a letter to constituents said, "We must not allow this kind of fear-mongering and blatant race-baiting to have a place in our public discourse. America should be a beacon of freedom and opportunity, but this right-wing hate group is willing to risk innocent lives for votes.

Together, we will stand for the true meaning of America and show that discrimination and hate will be given no quarter here in Martin Luther King County."

King County Sheriff John Urquhart called this letter and its materials "irresponsible and dangerous" and said that it puts innocent people at risk.'

Burien city council candidate Darla Green said she supports putting the City of Burien's Sanctuary status up for a vote and regarding the letter she said on Facebook, 

"I have no relationship with Respect Washington, nor was I aware of this letter being sent out.

What is terribly unfortunate is that we have a group of our neighbors who are trying to silence those of us whom they disagree with. Calling us "racists" is an example of their bullying. This could not be farther from the truth. What this small group of people is doing is wrong and in fact creating the very division in our community they are so very vocal about. Again, it is a small group of bullies crying foul - non-stop. It is ridiculous, and sanctioned by a particular FaceBook group and to some extent our local news source."

City Council candidate Debi Wagner, and Mayor Lucy Krakowiak supported Respect Washington’s effort to put Burien’s sanctuary status on the November ballot.