Steve Dawes could easily kick up his feet and relax with his wife, Roberta Allen, and enjoy their golden years at their home in Daniels Gate. He has earned it. But the former lawyer regularly attends the Castle Pines North Metro District (CPNMD) meetings, asking questions and lending insights. For the first time in CPNMD history, the organization recently recognized Steve for his diligence and awarded him “2025 Most Engaged Resident.”

“Steve really took an interest in supporting and holding the district accountable,” stated Nathan Travis, district manager for CPNMD. “He asks well-thought-out questions and the board and the staff appreciate his presence and contributions.” Steve was grateful for the nod and said, “Well, I guess I need to start working on winning again for 2026.”

Steve hails from Minneapolis, attended Syracuse University, and after college joined the Army for almost two years (1970-71) where he was an infantry patrol leader. He did a tour in Vietnam and when he was released from duty, Steve said he wanted to have some fun and moved to Colorado.

“After the Army, I became a ski bum for a season and then I had to go out and find a job,” Steve remembered, saying his favorite slope to conquer in those days was Aspen Mountain Ski Resort. He moved to Denver and worked during the day and attended law school at night at the University of Denver. In his spare time, he skied and ran the Mile High Marathon.

In 1984, Steve met Roberta, a school social worker, and the couple married two years later. They have a daughter who lives near Seattle.

The family lived in Denver, then Centennial and in 2020 after retirement, moved to Castle Pines.

The lion’s share of Steve’s career was representing governmental entities, public officials, personal injury defense and insurance law.

“In my law career, I represented local governments for 30+ years,” explained Steve. “If a municipality got sued for a land use dispute or election contest for example, I would litigate on the municipalities’ behalf.” He was also an administrative law judge, a hearing officer presiding over quasi-judicial hearings, like traffic tickets and DUIs.

In 2021, CPNMD issued a boil-water advisory that peaked Steve’s attention since he had never experienced anything like that. A few years later, two of his neighbors were elected to the CPNMD board so he decided to attend a meeting.

“I found the meetings interesting enough so I just kept on going,” said Steve. “With my career, I had some familiarity with water issues.” Steve and Roberta even joined the CPNMD on a tour of the water treatment plant and pump station.

At home, Steve enjoys reading: several newspapers to keep up with current events, and books about science as well as mysteries. Steve and Roberta travel and recently visited Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

In closing, Steve recommended that people become active with local government affairs, even as a volunteer. “I am an involuntary volunteer, making suggestions to CPNMD. Check out your local government and get involved.”

 

 

By Hollen Wheeler; photos courtesy of Steve Dawes