by Lisa Crockett

Castle Pines North Resident Bruce Thompson

For most people, retirement means more time to do things they enjoy. For Castle Pines resident Bruce Thompson, that means bike riding.

“I generally ride between 6,000 and 8,000 miles per year,” said Thompson, who has a special penchant for “century rides” – rides totaling 100 miles.

But biking isn’t the only thing Thompson has been doing in retirement. As the Castle Pines North (CPN) Master Association Vice President, he has been an advocate for his community. His most recent contribution came in the form of a labor-intensive negotiation with Xcel Energy regarding the expansion of the Daniels Park-Midway Transmission Lines, but community service is something Thompson has always found time for.

“We’ve lived several places in our lives; California, Georgia, Texas, New York, Illinois. Every place we’ve lived, we’ve always gotten involved in the community,” said Thompson’s wife, Lois.

Many volunteers, even very dedicated ones, might have been daunted by the task of shepherding a project as large and complicated as the transmission lines expansion, but not Thompson. Sensing that this expansion would call for someone acting as watchdog, Thompson stepped up to the plate. A retired process controls engineer, Thompson spent his career working with various energy concerns. With an intimate understanding of the complex and technical nature of the project, and a passion for the community in which he lives, he was the perfect man for the job.

Thompson quickly teamed up with Kurt and Kimberly Steenhoek, Charter Oaks residents whose property backs to the substation. Together, they determined what they felt was the most prudent course of action.

“After listening to an expert from CH2M Hill, we learned after 20 years of testing, there has been no proof of a connection between low levels of EMF and disease. In fact, many household appliances generate more EMF than will be emitted by the transmission lines,” said Thompson. “So Kurt and I decided to concentrate only on ensuring that the new lines stayed within acceptable limits for noise.”

Thompson spent hundreds of hours volunteering his time to protect the interests of CPN residents. Finally, nearly three years after the dispute began, the 55 dB (decible) limit was finalized. “I really feel this was a win for the community,” said Thompson.

Thompson left his post on the CPN Master Association Board in November after serving a four-year term. But as always, he is looking for more ways to improve the Castle Pines North community; he has now turned his attention to finding a renewable water source for the community working as a volunteer board member for the CPN Metro District. He is also the Metro Board’s representative to the Castle Pines Parks Authority.

“If I were still working, I could never spend the time necessary for these projects,” said Thompson. “I find a lot of satisfaction in doing this kind of work.”

It is hard to know just how much time Thompson has devoted to the community, but his colleagues and friends wish him well as he leaves his position on the Master Association Board which he has held since 2003.

“Bruce has been an invaluable asset to the community, not only for his tireless work on the Xcel issues we have faced, but for his ethics and professionalism on the Master Association Board as well,” said Maureen Shul, CPN Master Association President. “Though we will miss Bruce on the board, we are pleased that he will continue his good work as a member of the CPN Metro Board.”