Every public servant has a beginning, and for Jim Duncan, that beginning came in Juneau. In Making Sausage: From Illinois Farm to a 45-Year Career in Public Service in Alaska, Duncan explains that he did not enter politics because he planned a political career. Instead, he became involved because he believed concerns within his community deserved attention.
His first campaign for the Juneau Assembly was built on a desire to serve his community and encourage public discussion about issues that mattered to local residents. Looking back, Duncan presents this chapter of his life as the starting point of a career that would eventually span forty-five years in Alaska public service.
An Experience That Changed His Direction
Jim Duncan recalls that his interest in public office grew after an incident at the Baranof Hotel in Juneau during the summer of 1971.
He had gone there hoping to see U.S. Senator Hubert Humphrey, who was scheduled to speak at a Democratic Party luncheon. Since he could not afford a ticket, he planned to wait in the hotel lobby for an opportunity to greet the Senator or take a photograph.
Instead, he was questioned by a police officer, searched, and instructed to leave the hotel because of his appearance. Duncan explains that the experience left him disappointed and led him to question whether others had experienced similar treatment.
He makes it clear that he respected the work of the police department and appreciated the role officers played in keeping Juneau safe. His concern centered on what he believed were policies that deserved public discussion.
That experience became one of the reasons he decided to become involved in local government and eventually seek a seat on the Juneau Assembly.
Community Involvement Came First
Before becoming a candidate, Jim Duncan was already active in the community.
As President of the Capital Jaycees, he encouraged residents to become involved in improving their community. In an editorial published in the Juneau Empire, he wrote about the importance of recognizing problems, having the courage to act, giving time to the community, and believing that solutions could be found.
Rather than simply expressing concern, Duncan decided to follow his own advice.
In October 1971, he filed as a candidate for the Juneau Assembly, beginning his first campaign for elected office.
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Running His First Campaign
As a first-time candidate, Duncan admits he had much to learn about campaigning.
He was running in District 2, where one of the assembly seats had become open after Mike Miller chose to run for the Alaska House of Representatives. Duncan believed the open seat created an opportunity, although he also faced experienced and respected opponents.
His campaign focused on the issues that had motivated him to run, particularly concerns about police policies and what he believed was the need for greater attention to residents’ concerns.
Although he built a strong group of supporters, Duncan was not elected.
Rather than viewing the election as the end of his efforts, he considered it an important learning experience.
An Unexpected Opportunity
Only months later, an unexpected opportunity appeared.
When Assembly member Robert Thomas resigned his seat in June 1972, the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly was responsible for appointing someone to complete the vacant term.
Assembly member Hunt Gruening contacted Jim Duncan about accepting the appointment. Duncan expressed concern that some people viewed him as anti-establishment because of the issues he had raised during his campaign. Gruening assured him that support existed for his appointment.
On July 6, 1972, Jim Duncan was appointed to the Juneau Assembly, beginning his first service in elected public office.
Although the appointment covered only the remainder of the term, Duncan immediately decided he would seek election to continue serving the community.
Serving the Community
During his time on the Juneau Assembly, Duncan found himself involved in a wide variety of community issues.
Among the matters discussed were public safety, local government administration, budgeting, community services, and support for developing what would become the Eaglecrest Ski Area. Duncan describes these responsibilities as rewarding because they directly affected the lives of Juneau residents.
Serving on the assembly also confirmed that public service was the work he wanted to continue.
His first experience in local government gave him the confidence to seek election to the Alaska House of Representatives after completing his assembly term.
Lessons From the First Campaign
Jim Duncan’s first campaign did not begin with political ambition. It began with a desire to address concerns within his community.
The experience taught him several important lessons:
- Community involvement should come before seeking office.
- Listening to residents is an important responsibility.
- Not every campaign ends in victory, but every experience offers an opportunity to learn.
- Public service requires persistence and a willingness to continue working toward meaningful goals.
These lessons became the foundation for the many years of public service that followed.
Conclusion
Jim Duncan’s first campaign for the Juneau Assembly marked the beginning of a remarkable public career. Although he did not win his first election, his commitment to serving the community never changed.
Through Making Sausage, Duncan shows that meaningful public service often begins with ordinary citizens deciding to become involved. His appointment to the Juneau Assembly became the first step in a journey that would eventually lead him to the Alaska Legislature and many years of service to the people of Alaska.
The story reminds readers that lasting careers are often built not by immediate success, but by a willingness to remain committed to the community and continue serving whenever the opportunity arises.
