Jim Duncan
Professional Author of Alaskan Political Memoirs
Politician | Educator | Union Leader | Author
“Laws are like sausages. It is best not to see them being made.”
John Godfrey Saxe 1869
- Subscribe for updates on Jim Duncan’s Making Sausage — Alaska’s political memoir.
Jim Duncan
Professional Author of Alaskan Political Memoirs
Politician | Educator | Union Leader | Author
“Laws are like sausages. It is best not to see them being made.”
John Godfrey Saxe 1869
- Subscribe for updates on Jim Duncan’s Making Sausage — Alaska’s political memoir.
About Jim Duncan
From Speaker of the Alaska House to Union Leadership — A Life of Service
Jim Duncan is an Alaska political leader, author, and union advocate whose 45-year journey shaped Alaska’s politics and public service. As Speaker of the House, Commissioner of Administration, and Executive Director of ASEA/AFSCME Local 52, he influenced major reforms in education, oil taxation, and state revenue.
In his memoir, Making Sausage: A Life in Public Service, Duncan shares the real story behind Alaska’s leadership and policymaking. Through lessons of service, union strength, and integrity, he captures the challenges and victories that continue to define Alaska’s political legacy.
About Jim Duncan
From Speaker of the Alaska House to Union Leadership — A Life of Service
Jim Duncan is an Alaska political leader, author, and union advocate whose 45-year journey shaped Alaska’s politics and public service. As Speaker of the House, Commissioner of Administration, and Executive Director of ASEA/AFSCME Local 52, he influenced major reforms in education, oil taxation, and state revenue.
In his memoir, Making Sausage: A Life in Public Service, Duncan shares the real story behind Alaska’s leadership and policymaking. Through lessons of service, union strength, and integrity, he captures the challenges and victories that continue to define Alaska’s political legacy.
My Book – Making Sausage
Explore Jim Duncan's Published Works
Making Sausage — A Political Memoir About Alaska’s Leadership & Legacy
Jim Duncan memoir Making Sausage: A Life in Public Service offers a rare look inside Alaska’s political history and leadership. It uncovers vital debates on oil taxation, education reform, and the Permanent Fund Dividend. A defining story of public service, integrity, and the legacy that shaped Alaska’s future.
My Book – Making Sausage
Explore Jim Duncan's Published Works
Making Sausage — A Political Memoir About Alaska’s Leadership & Legacy
Jim Duncan memoir Making Sausage: A Life in Public Service offers a rare look inside Alaska’s political history and leadership. It uncovers vital debates on oil taxation, education reform, and the Permanent Fund Dividend. A defining story of public service, integrity, and the legacy that shaped Alaska’s future.
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Experience Making Sausage
The Legacy That Shaped Alaska’s Political Future.
By JIM DUNCAN
Own a piece of Alaska’s history with Making Sausage: A Life in Public Service by Jim Duncan — a revealing memoir on Alaska’s politics, leadership, and lawmaking.
This insightful book explores the critical issues that shaped Alaska’s future — from oil taxation and education reform to healthcare and the Permanent Fund Dividend.
As both a politician and union leader, Duncan shares firsthand experiences navigating the messy art of politics, balancing conviction with compromise, and shaping policies that continue to define the state.
Through honesty and reflection, Making Sausage shows how true leadership is built on integrity, resilience, and service to the public.
From the halls of the Alaska Legislature to the heart of union advocacy, Jim Duncan’s story captures the reality behind governance and the people who make it possible.
This political memoir goes beyond history — it’s a living lesson in ethics, lawmaking, and the enduring pursuit of progress.
Get your copy today and experience the legacy that continues to inspire Alaska’s leaders and citizens alike
Public Service
Jim Duncan - 45 Years of Leadership and Advocacy in Alaska
Jim Duncan has devoted more than 45 years to shaping Alaska’s political history, public service, and leadership. From his beginnings in local government to his years as Speaker of the Alaska House of Representatives, he played a vital role in developing state policies on oil taxation, education reform, and public administration. His lifelong commitment to Alaska’s people reflects fairness, accountability, and a deep dedication to progress.
During his legislative career, Duncan sponsored and passed more than seventy statewide bills that transformed Alaska’s fiscal and social systems. His memoir, Making Sausage: A Life in Public Service, offers an insider’s view of Alaska’s policymaking, the Permanent Fund Dividend, and healthcare reform—showing how strong leadership and collaboration helped build the foundation of modern Alaska.
As Executive Director of ASEA/AFSCME Local 52, Alaska’s largest public employee union, Duncan championed labor rights, collective bargaining, and fair representation. His leadership bridged the gap between advocacy and government, proving that progress in public policy is achieved through cooperation and integrity.
Through Making Sausage, Duncan also shares his influence on healthcare programs, senior services, and education funding. His reforms improved the accessibility and stability of Alaska’s social systems, reinforcing his legacy as a leader devoted to meaningful, lasting change.
Jim Duncan’s public service journey is defined by vision, resilience, and integrity. His story reflects the balance between conviction and compromise—and continues to inspire those who believe in leadership that serves the people of Alaska first.