About
Biography
Meet David Ridings
His commitment to helping local residents with legal issues has earned him a reputation as a tireless fighter and dedicated public servant.
I am David Ridings, and I am proud to call Cross Plains home. My professional life has given me the opportunity to serve people from almost every side of our justice system and to understand firsthand the responsibilities that come with public service.
I began my career in law enforcement as a police officer. I later worked in prosecution before becoming a criminal defense attorney. I opened my own law practice in 1998 and have spent nearly three decades operating a small business, managing employees, meeting a payroll, serving clients, and making the kinds of financial decisions that small-business owners face every day.
Since 2023, I have also served as a part-time Night Court Judicial Magistrate. Altogether, I have spent nearly four decades working in and around law enforcement, the courts, public service, and the private sector.
Those experiences have reinforced a simple belief: government should be accountable to the people it serves. Decisions should be made carefully, taxpayer money should be respected, public safety should remain a priority, and elected officials should be willing to listen - including to people who disagree with them.
I am running for Cross Plains City Commissioner because this is my community too. I want to use my experience to help Cross Plains navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead while protecting the character and quality of life that make people proud to call this city home.
Background
A Career Dedicated to Justice, Public Service, and Community
David Ridings has spent nearly four decades working in and around law enforcement, the courts, public service, and the private sector. Beginning his career as a police officer, he gained firsthand experience with the responsibilities placed on law enforcement and the communities they serve. His career later took him into prosecution, criminal defense, private legal practice, and judicial service. Together, those experiences have given David a practical understanding of public safety, accountability, careful decision-making, and the importance of listening to people on every side of an issue.
EXPERIENCE & CREDENTIALS
Experience Built Through Service
- Former police officer with firsthand knowledge of public safety and law enforcement.
- Former prosecutor with experience representing the public interest in the justice system.
- Criminal defense attorney with decades of courtroom and problem-solving experience.
- Night Court Judicial Magistrate since 2023.
- Small-business owner since 1998 with experience managing employees, expenses, payroll, and financial responsibility.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Decades of Experience. A Practical Approach to Public Service.
Public Safety & Law Enforcement
David's experience as a former police officer and his years working throughout the justice system give him firsthand insight into public safety, accountability, and the challenges facing first responders.
Legal & Judicial Experience
From prosecution and criminal defense to his current part-time service as a Night Court Judicial Magistrate, David has spent decades evaluating facts, solving problems, and working within the justice system.
Small-Business Experience
A small-business owner since 1998, David understands what it means to manage employees, meet payroll, control expenses, serve clients, and make responsible financial decisions.