Please come to the final debate Thursday evening. This will be the last time that I will share the stage with John Rizzo in this never ending election campaign. This will be our fourth joint appearance in the four years he has been running against me. Would have been five but he stood us up for one debate.

The charter school, Scuola Vita Nuova , at 544 Wabash (Independence Avenue and Wabash) will be the host for this year's election debate which is sponsored by the League of Women Voters

The League sponsors debates in several districts each election and has conducted this event twice in the past for this race, although Rizzo only has shown up once. The second time I responded to an empty chair and answered questions from the audience. So, even if he does not show up again I promise I will be there to answer the questions from the audience.

The format is that each candidate gets to make an opening and closing statement and respond in turn to questions posed by the moderator from those submitted by the audience. The event normally lasts one hour.

Political leaders from around the city will be there and our community turnout will reflect how involved we are in the political process. A large turnout will get the attention of the leaders and make our voice stronger.

11th Ward Democrat Committeeman and Committeewoman have a new billboard at Independence Avenue at Askew

Carol Royster is running for reelection to the 11th Ward Democrat Committeewoman post. No surprise there. She, like her husband Will, has been active in the community for years and has been our Democrat Committeewoman.

But now The Big Surprise. Her husband Will Royster, son of our former State Representative, is running against Johnny Joe Rizzo for the 11th Ward Democrat Committeeman position. That's right John Rizzo is not only challenging John Burnett he has also simultaneously filed for election as the Democrat Committeeman.

The Eleventh Ward is comprised mainly of Columbus Park, Pendelton Heights, and Scarritt Renaissance neighborhoods. The people who vote at Don Bosco, Garfield School, St. Anthony church and at the Kansas City Museum will vote in these races.

Here is an excerpt from the Royster campaign flyer:

"Will was a Navy Lieutenant Commander and carrier-based attack pilot. With 43 successful Combat missions in Desert Storm, and more than 500 carrier landings, he knows how to handle stress under pressure. He was consistently ranked as a top performing officer throughout the Pacific Fleet for his leadership, valor and integrity. Trust Him!"

"As your current 11th Ward Committee-woman, Carol has consistently represented your best interests. As a State Democratic Convention Delegate and as an assistant Democratic Committee Event Organizer, she insured that the 11th Ward was consistently well represented in all political circles. She has served as Cultural Arts Commissioner, Kansas City Museum Lecture Series Presenter, and as a Sponsor for our traditional "Safe Halloween"."

Although there is no debate scheduled you will have the chance to meet the Roysters before and after the event Thursday evening.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve,

State Rep John Burnett