Pegasus: What drew you to run for office?

Goolsby: I decided to run for public office many years ago but never pursued it because I was busy trying to make a living. As I saw how the work of public educators helped to improve the lives of others, I was troubled that public educators weren’t rewarded in the ways that they should be. I always hate it when people say that the education system "is broken" because it’s never broken. From time to time, it’s in dire need of repair as was necessary when we passed sweeping legislation back in 2006. Fortunately, I have a great working relationship with the school administrators and educators in my district so I am always happy to hear how much repair is needed from moment to moment. They let me know, believe me.

Pegasus: What are the platforms of your campaign?

Goolsby: My platform is as follows; Experience Counts. Whether you’re a Republican, Democrat, Independent, or Libertarian, I want to take my experience as a legislator along with the needs of my constituency into the House Chamber every day for the benefit of all Texans. Whether someone votes for me or not, I am their voice in that State Capitol. I can list any number of legislative initiatives that I’ve taken in the past or plan on taking in 2009 but, ultimately my platform is that I take the word "representation" very, very seriously and experience equals good representation in my case.

Pegasus: What are the concerns of the people in the community that you represent?

Goolsby: The concerns of the neighbors in District 102 are improving the school district through smart funding while keeping property taxes as low as possible. They care about immigration reform. They care about finding alternate sources of energy to improve our environment and fix this ridiculous fuel price problem we’re faced with. They care about the safety of their kids, while they’re in school or just playing in their neighborhoods. They care about making sure Texas has a fairer and more competitive business climate. These concerns are lifted straight from the comments that I received on a survey that I just sent out to tens of thousands of homes in my district. The citizens of District 102 are incredibly engaged, curious, and anxious to see to it that they are heard.

Pegasus: What are the sources of conflict in your election contest?

Goolsby: I don’t spend much time being preoccupied with "conflict" in my election or how I differ with my opponent. I respect the process and I respect the will of the voters. The best thing that I can do is to remain focused, do my very best to share my record with voters and hope that they are pleased with that record, be it on how I"ve voted or on the bills that I have authored. Conflict comes into play when we’re debating legislation in the House Chamber and you can bet that’s where I am willing to address it if it affects my neighborhoods.

Pegasus: How do you differ from your opponents?

Goolsby: (See above.)

Pegasus: Do you have a favorite Presidential candidate?

Goolsby: On election day, I am going to support John McCain. I love that he’s a Republican who is proud of his green streak.

Pegasus: How do you feel about the following newsy issues from the area:

* Convention center hotel

Goolsby: (No response.)

* Switching freeways from free to toll-based

Goolsby: I think that toll roads should be considered but only on the approval of voters.

* HOV lanes

Goolsby: HOV lanes have served their purpose.

* DART rail

Goolsby: I am a hearty supporter of DART except where their projects become a hindrance to my constituents as is the planned case in my north Dallas area. I am working to head off initial plans for the Cotton Belt Line and will make sure it doesn’t happen during the 81st Legislature if it comes time for me to flex my "experience."

* Barnett Shale drilling

Goolsby: I think we have ample drilling opportunities offshore that we shouldn’t have to disturb the Barnett Shale formation.

* Cellphone use in cars

Goolsby: Although I find myself using my cell phone while driving, I would welcome the discontinuation of cell phone use while driving.

* Open internet access in public libraries

Goolsby: Open internet access in public libraries has my full support. It benefits everyone from students to people who need a place to utilize computers in their search for employment.

* "Green" buildings

Goolsby: Green building technology has my keen interest. There are so many wonderfully ingenious and innovative design and construction ideas that are being perfected as we speak. From waterless urinals to renewal and reuse of condensation, the options are endless. I am working to improve conservation at the State Capitol as we are in one of the nation’s green space hotbeds, Austin, Texas.

Pegasus: How do you feel about the following national issues:

* War in Iraq

Goolsby: War in Iraq must come to a responsible close. Once the commanders on the ground, in concert with Iraqi leadership have established that a major military presence is no longer necessary, we should being our men and women home.

* Immigration

Goolsby: (No response.)

* Energy sources (oil vs wind vs solar)

Goolsby: With the cost of natural gas increasing 425 percent since the day Texas moved to a competitive electricity market, the benefits of deregulation have been over-shadowed by the cost of generation. I cannot overstate the importance of rapid development and implementation of wind power generation. : I would be open to considering such a requirement. I like the concept of giving homeowners tax credits for powering their homes by solar power or some other incentive to offset the cost of converting their homes to solar power. I believe that some basic measures should be pursued with vigor on the part of the Texas Legislature as follows;

Promote increased use of alternative fuel technology

Support providing financial incentives to farms that produce biofuel crops.

Use state funds to clean up former industrial and commercial sites that are contaminated, unused or abandoned.

Support funding for open space preservation

Limit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases linked to global warming.

Enact environmental regulations even if they are stricter than federal law