Eleventh Ward Committee race heats up at city park and recreation board meeting - really?

It was a celebration that brought together two political adversaries for a brisk handshake and a chuckle-chocked conversation.

11th Ward Democratic Committee candidates Will Royster and John "JJ" Rizzo shared a brief moment in the lobby of the Kansas City Parks and Recreation Department.

What could bring the offspring of two political dynasties together? Well, it was definitley not their shared vision for who should fill the Northeast's house seat. No, Rizzo was there to show his support for Royster's plan to make Cliff Drive car free on the weekends this summer.

The Parks board on Tuesday approved the plan, which Royster has been working on with parks staff since the fall.

Rizzo is currently running against incumbent John Burnett for a third time for Northeast's house seat. Royster dropped out of that race last month to focus on the committee race where he will also face Rizzo.

Before the meeting started Rizzo dropped in and sat near the back while Royster presented his plan. Afterward Rizzo sought out Royster and congratulated him and said that even he, an avid cyclist, looked forward to using Cliff Drive on the weekends.

The parks board unanimously approved the Cliff Drive plan. The Scenic byway is expected to be closed to vehicle traffic starting May 16.

For more on this check The Northeast News on Wedneday

BREAKING NEWS: Royster out of State House race

It seems Will Royster's foray into politics was more of a day trip than a serious campaign.

According to the Missouri Secretary of State, Royster has pulled his name from the running in his bid for the District 40 Missouri Legislature seat.

Royster had thrown his hat into the ring two weeks ago challenging two Northeast power families: State Rep. John Burnett and John "JJ" Rizzo.

Royster threatened to upset the two seasoned politicians who have gone at each other's throats in past elections.

But Royster, who has a large groundswell of grass roots support though the neighborhoods, is not out of politics all together. Expect more to come from this neighborhood activist in the coming week.

Burnett, Rizzo and Royster make three

Mike Ekey/The Northeast News

Community activist Will Royster has firmly planted his foot into the seat of the political status quo in Northeast.

Less than a week after announcing he wanted to challenge State Rep John Burnett to his own seat, Royster then opened his house to Democratic big-wig Jay Nixon, who is making his own run for Missouri Governor.

But what caught this knee-high Newshoud's eye was when Burnett and Royster — supposedly political rivals — standing on the stairs together and introducing Nixon at a Northeast fundraiser.

The only thing missing from this Gubernatorial Group Hug for Democrats was John "JJ" Rizzo, who is also challenging Burnett for his Missouri House seat — again.

But things are bound to change in these politically savvy neighborhoods.