Tony Goolsby

Content sourced from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

James Anthony “Tony” Goolsby (November 9, 1933 – September 4, 2020) was a Dallas businessman and Republican politician who served in the Texas House of Representatives for northeastern Dallas County. He represented District 114 from 1989 to 1993 and then District 102 from 1993 to 2009.

Early life and career
Goolsby was born in Colbert, Oklahoma. He grew up in East Texas, graduated from Longview High School, and served as an officer in the U.S. Army. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Texas in 1961. He worked as a teacher, coach, and principal in the Celeste Independent School District before moving into the insurance business. After leaving the legislature, he worked as a lobbyist in Austin.

Political career
Goolsby was first elected to the Texas House in 1988 to replace the retiring Fred Agnich. He later served from 1993 to 2009 after district boundaries shifted. In 2001, the Eagle Forum rated him as a highly conservative lawmaker.

Key positions and votes
- Supported the Property Tax Relief Fund to reduce school district property taxes.
- Backed a rule to require a minimum value for vehicle registrations when selling a used car.
- Supported allowing deadly force in self-defense.
- In 2007, backed a pay increase for public school employees that did not include retirees.
- Voted to require photo ID for voting or to use two non-photo IDs to verify identity.
- Helped reduce the marriage license fee from $60 to $30.
- Opposed casino gambling on Indian reservations (the measure narrowly failed in the House).
- Supported legislation in 2007 to protect religious expression in public schools, allowing students to express religious beliefs and to have religious clubs and an influence at events.

Legal matter
In 2007, Goolsby and Kenn George were sued for libel by Harriet Miller over allegations of a false voter complaint used in her campaign.

Later life
Goolsby left the Legislature after twenty years and became a lobbyist. He announced a bid for the Texas Senate District 8 seat in 2011 but did not pursue the race; Ken Paxton won that open seat.

Personal life
Goolsby was married to Mary Tanner, known as Toppy Goolsby. They had three daughters—Mellie, Cherrie, and Brooke—and lived in Dallas. He was a United Methodist.

Death
Goolsby passed away in Dallas on September 4, 2020, at the age of 86.