Profile: Dib Waldrip, Republican for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8

The following is a compilation of the unedited responses from Dib Waldrip, candidate for Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, to the 2018 Amarillo Pioneer Voter Guide. Waldrip is running in the March 6th Republican primary against Michelle Slaughter and Jay Brandon.

Name:

Dib Waldrip

---

Office Sought:

Judge, Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, Place 8

---

Why did you decide to run for office?

The Court of Criminal Appeals is the top criminal bench in Texas requiring judges with impeccable credentials and the utmost character to ensure proper interpretation of the law so all Texans are safe and secure in their homes and communities.  I will bring such credentials and character to the Court to enhance the excellence and integrity of the Court's legal opinions.

---

Please list any of your political, civic or non-profit experience.

Lions Club (Tail Twister), March of Dimes (Local Chairman), New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce (Director), Leadership New Braunfels (Committee), Youth Leadership New Braunfels (Steering and Selection Committees-Chair), Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce (former member), Bulverde Chamber of Commerce (former member), Young Life (volunteer, director, committee—Chair), Comal County Junior Livestock Show (Director), New Braunfels FFA Booster Club (Director, VP & President), Oakwood Baptist Church (Security Committee & Small Group Leader), Sexual Assault Response Team (Founder & Director), Children’s Advocacy Center of Comal County (Founder & President), Options for Life (Advisory Board), New Braunfels Little League (Head & Assistant Coach), Christian Federation of Police Officers Youth Sports (Assistant Coach), Texas Education, Athletics & Mentoring Youth Foundation (Head & Assistant Coach), Texas District & County Attorneys’ Association (Lecturer), State Bar College (Fellow & Lecturer), National District Attorneys’ Association (Lecturer), Texas Indigent Defense Commission (Lecturer), Texas Association of Specialty Courts (Lecturer, Director, & President), National Association of Drug Court Professionals (member), Texas Justice Court Training Center (Lecturer), Texas Department of Public Safety (Lecturer), Texas Probation Association (Lecturer), Texas Violent Gangs Advisory Board (gubernatorial advisor), Texas Criminal Justice Advisory Council (gubernatorial advisor & Chair of Legislative Subcommittee), Governors’ Criminal Justice Division Grant Review Board (member under Gov. Perry & Gov. Abbott), Texas Board of Legal Specialization (Director & Chair of Criminal Law Commission), National Board of Trial Advocates (Judicial Fellow), Texas Center for the Judiciary (multiple committees & Lecturer), F.B.I. National Associates (member), McKenna Foundation (Director & Investment Committee Chair), Texas State Rifle Association (life member), National Eagle Scouts Association (member), Boy Scouts (local volunteer), New Braunfels High School Athletics Booster Club (volunteer), numerous local republican and tea party clubs (member/former member)

---

What is your educational background?

I have a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Texas A&M University.  I received the Top Gun Award upon completing the Alamo Area Law Enforcement Academy.  I received my Juris Doctor from St. Mary's School of Law.  Upon the nomination of then-Governor George Bush, I attended the F.B.I. National Law Enforcement Academy & the University of Virginia.

---

What experience do you have that qualifies you for this position?

Before attending law school, I worked as a Police Officer.  After law school, I worked for the Courts of Appeals in both Amarillo & El Paso.  Next, I ran a narcotics task force in South Texas.  Later, I became the Assistant District Attorney in Comal County before being elected District Attorney.  As District Attorney, I personally tried in excess of 100 felony jury trials. I also did the appellate work to maintain the convictions obtained in excess of 100 of those jury trials. After serving as the Comal County District Attorney for ten years, I have now served as the elected Judge of the 433rd District Court since 2007. 

---

How will you best represent the Texans who elected you?

I will serve all Texans with the honor and excellence demanded of any Judge at the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.

---

Are you supported by any political action committees? If so, which ones?

Texans for Lawsuit Reform

---

How are you better suited than your opponent(s) to serve in the position that you are running for?

I am the only candidate that is Board Certified in Criminal Law--both by the State Bar of Texas and the National Board of Trial Advocacy--neither of by opponents are board certified by either.

I am the only candidate who has the personal experience of all aspects of the criminal justice system--from cop, to elected DA, to elected District Judge, to the Courts of Appeals.

I am the only candidate endorsed by former Chief Justice of the Texas Supreme Court Wallace B. Jefferson.

I am the only candidate chosen by our last three Governors for special assignments--F.B.I. Academy, Texas Violent Gangs Task Force, Criminal Justice Advisory Council, Specialty Court Grant Review Board, etc.

I am the only candidate chosen by the Presiding Judge of the Court of Criminal Appeals as her sole nominee in 2017 to attend the National Judicial College's Judicial Leadership Seminar.

I am the only candidate named Prosecutor of the Year by a statewide law enforcement association--the Texas Narcotics Officers' Association.

I am the only candidate who has developed and operated treatment and specialty court dockets as well as the only candidate to serve as President of a statewide legal association--the Texas Association of Specialty Courts.

I am the only candidate who founded local victim support organizations--the Children's Advocacy Center of Comal County and the Comal County Sexual Assault Response Team.

I am the only candidate that has provided legal instruction to police officers, prosecutors, judges, defense lawyers, and probation officers in Texas and nationwide.

---

Why should voters choose you on March 6th?

My credentials are unsurpassed, and my core conservative Christian values serve to light my path.  I view public service as a true calling--not just a job, and I will continue to serve all Texans with the utmost integrity.  For more information, check out my website at www.JudgeDibWaldrip.com .