VALDOSTA — Geoff Duncan, a former professional baseball pitcher for the Florida Marlins and a state legislator from Forsyth County, shared his vision for the Georgia as a candidate for lieutenant governor.

Duncan is a Republican candidate for the position. He spoke to the Lowndes County Republican Party Tuesday night at Austins Cattle Company, 2101 W. Hill Ave.

He said, if elected, he would focus on improving education for children and passing state tax reform. With the recent U.S. tax reform passing Congress in Washington D.C., Duncan said he would like for the state to do something similar to help Georgia families and businesses.

“We need to address tax reform,” Duncan said. “We’re seeing it play out at the national level, and we need our own version here in Georgia. That’s something I think everyone in Georgia is waiting to see happen.”

As a state representative, Duncan sponsored a bill last year creating the tax-credit program. His bill this year would increase the tax credit amount from 70 to 90 percent and bring in more than $200 million, he said.

Duncan stepped down as a state representative to focus his attention on running for lieutenant governor, he said.

His story is different from most people running for state office. He played baseball for Georgia Tech and spent six years in the minor leagues. He then started his own marketing business.

After selling his business, he decided to step into politics in 2013 as a state representative. He was challenged to get more involved in his community by his church. He said he thought the best way to get involved was to run for office.

“I thought, well, I’ve never been in politics, but it was an opportunity to champion personal responsibility,” Duncan said. “Instead of complaining about education and tax reform, I decided to roll up my sleeves and get involved.”

A self-proclaimed outsider, he said he wanted to avoid petty politics. He wants to support a culture that rewards good policy over good politics, he said.

“I’m not running for lieutenant governor for any other reason than I want to be a part of the conservative future of Georgia,” Duncan said.

Thomas Lynn is a government and education reporter for The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be reached at (229)244-3400 ext. 1256