Rep. John Patrick Burnett, a Democrat, represents a district in Kansas City, Jackson County, (District 40) in the Missouri House of Representatives. His district includes part of Downtown, the River Market area, Columbus Park, and the neighborhoods of Historic Northeast.

 He was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in November 2002 and reelected in 2004, 2006 and 2008. He is term limited and cannot run again for that seat.

In addition to his legislative duties, Rep. Burnett is a practicing attorney. He has been a member of the Missouri Bar since 1978. His law practice has been mostly in the courts of Kansas City and includes three appearances in the Missouri Supreme Court.

Burnett was elected and served on the Jackson County Legislature during the 1990’s and also served as the Jackson County representative to the Bi-State Commission during the restoration of Union Station.

He has served on numerous boards and commissions during his career including neighborhood, civic, school and church activities.

He has served on the Board of Directors of the the Helping Hand of Goodwill and the City of Kansas City Oversight Commission for the City Market.

Burnett is a United States Army veteran of the Vietnam War. He served in Vietnam during 1967 and 1968 and is a veteran of the Tet Offensive. He is a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and a life member of the Vietnam Veterans of America.

Representative Burnett and his wife Ingrid live in the Cliff Drive area. They have three adult children.