About Don
Servant Leadership
Meet Don, Longtime Lakewood Resident
Hi, I’m Don Burkhart. My wife and I have lived in Lakewood for 34 years. We love Lakewood’s community and its proximity to parks, open space, trails and lakes. Lakewood is a wonderful place for those seeking a quieter, small-town feel than Denver while still enjoying many ‘big city’ amenities and cultural attractions.
Why I’m Running for Mayor
As a longtime Lakewood citizen, I know many of its residents, and just like them, I’ve witnessed the increasing crime rate and irresponsible urban development of recent years. I understand our local issues and have my finger on the pulse of how our community feels about decisions made by the current administration. Many citizens believe that their desires and requests have been ignored, neglected or denied. If the current administration isn’t listening to its people, then it’s not doing its job.
I’m running to bring servant leadership to Lakewood and give our citizens what they deserve: A strong yet humble leader who will listen and govern our city based on the majority of residents’ desires. I’ll also fight to defend and protect the freedoms and constitutional rights that, unbeknownst to many, our state and local municipalities are trying to take away from us.
Not Your Typical Career Politician
To be clear: I’ve never been a politician before and had never considered politics until recently. The negative changes I’ve witnessed in my beloved community called my soul into action, despite my reservations. It’s time to turn things around, and with your support, we can work together to make Lakewood a safer, stronger and better community than ever before.
Don speaks about his Business Experience at the 23rd Annual Legislative Indoor BBQ at RedRocks Community College
More Business Management Experience than Other Candidates
Governing a city requires a high level of business operations, budgeting and management skills. One of my business ventures was helping to build an innovative multi-million dollar mortgage lending company. Within three years, I was managing 1,350 employees and 18 offices across eight states. I was responsible for business operations, financial management and P&L. The other two leading candidates don’t bring this level of senior operations, financial and people management experience.
Faith-based Focus and Leadership
While I accept all people’s religious beliefs, mine are a driving force in my life. I’ve been a pastor at multiple churches, leading the ministry of large congregations. At one time, I was an administrator for 78 churches and was responsible for assessing their practices and guiding them towards greater success. I also founded a Lakewood pastors coalition for mutual learning and support and have passed the torch to another pastor who still operates it today.
Founded an Outreach Program for the Homeless
I established an outreach program for the homeless during my work at Light and Life Community Church. This involved recruiting a team of over 100 volunteers who delivered breakfast, clothing and groceries to local homeless citizens.
Life Song Kidz: Teaching English to Kids in Mexico
I’m also involved in operating a ministry that teaches English as a second language to children in Mexico. As a contributor to this ministry, I host a YouTube channel that posts inspirational faith-based messages for youth to support their success.
“As Mayor, my biggest responsibility will be to listen to its citizens, govern with transparency and lead with no-nonsense policies to help Lakewood achieve its fullest potential.”
— Don and Marcia Burkhart
