Letter to the Editor: New Burien Councilman Should Recuse Himself in Critical Votes

[NOTE FROM EDITOR: Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Highline Journal or Daniel Media.  If you wish to submit a story, photo, article, or letter, please email us at info@thehighlinejournal.com. We look forward to hearing from you.]

[Authors of this to the editor are verified Lake Burien residents who have requested anonymity.]

 Letter to the Editor,

Thank you to The Highline Journal (December 11, 2025) for promptly reporting on the Planning Commission meeting and public hearing of Dec. 10, story titled “F Those Rich People’: Hot Mic Captures Shocking Moment at Burien Planning Meeting.”

The explicit remark came from an unidentified Zoom attendee during a zoning discussion involving Three Tree Point, Lake Burien, and Seahurst neighborhoods.

The three Zoom attendees were: Rocco DeVito (opposed to Item 5); a woman (in favor of Item 5) who resides on Lake Burien, who spoke about the 2026 Comp Plan amendment items to include; and Planning Commissioner Jimmy Matta, Jr., who spoke in favor of Item 5 being added to the amendment list.

Shortly after The Highline Journal (HJ) story broke, DeVito acknowledged on his Facebook page that he made the vulgar and inappropriate remark directed at Burien shoreline residents.

However, DeVito’s statement did not read as an apology and was perceived by many residents as dismissive of the concerns raised by the Burien public.

Ironically, on Dec. 8, 2025 (just two days before this incident), DeVito, as a new Burien Council member, took a city, state, and federal oath that includes expectations of professional conduct and upholding the law and constitution. This “hot mic” incident raises serious questions about his understanding of, or adherence to, that oath.  

DeVito was a former Burien planning commissioner who helped draft the 2044 Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map before he resigned in support of Charles Schaefer (former Chair who was removed from the Commission for unethical issues). DeVito (then vice chair of the Commission) resigned in support for Schaefer.

Mr. DeVito’s previous public actions reflect a lack of impartial engagement with the issues before the Council, and his latest impulsive and unprofessional remarks reveal a strong bias against “certain” Burien residents.

As a result, Mr. DeVito may now have a legal obligation to recuse himself from further votes related to the 2026 land use and zoning amendment to the 2044 Comp Plan 2025 Housing Zoning Addendum under the Appearance of Fairness Doctrine.

Eighteen days after the incident, on December 31, another media outlet in the city published its version of this Planning Commission meeting. The story’s author, Sarah Brusig, stated it was intended to be fair and balanced; however, the reporting did not reference the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) or Growth Management Act (GMA) requirements, nor did it include interviews with shoreline residents.

The article further suggested that vulgar language and discriminatory remarks at public meetings should be tolerated. Sarah’s comments appear to sound that she was unaware of the city’s Leadership Handbook for Committees and Commissions and the Ethics document that even city employees have to sign, as well as the verbal of the Oath of Office required by Council Members.

Lastly, the author failed to note that the Dec. 10, 2025 Planning Commission meeting was allowed to proceed out of order and in violation of Robert’s Rules of Order by the Commission Chair and the Burien Planning Department.

Thank you to The Highline Journal for providing an accurate account of the incident and for including video clips that documented the full context of the meeting. “F* Those Rich People”: Hot Mic Captures Shocking Moment at Burien Planning Meeting

-Burien Shoreline Residents

[NOTE FROM EDITOR:  If you wish to submit a story, photo, article or letter, please email us at info@thehighlinejournal.com  Even if you wish to remain anonymous, please include your name and phone number so we may contact you privately. We look forward to hearing from you.]