There’s concern from House representatives and marijuana industry professionals that a control board nominee might be influenced by the governor since he’s a state employee.<\/p>\n
Chris Jaime is one of two of Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s nominees for the five-person control board in charge of regulating the marijuana industry. Jaime is an Alaska Wildlife Troopers lieutenant from Soldotna who’s served with the agency for 18 years. The House Labor & Commerce committee held a hearing Monday to question him.<\/p>\n
“You’re a current state employee, so what would be your reaction or your concern, if as a current state employee you were contacted by the governor’s office, for example, when there was a regulation up for consideration, and the governor’s office had a certain perspective on things?” asked Rep. Gabrielle LeDoux, R-Anchorage. “Would you as a state employee be at all concerned if your position on that didn’t exactly jam with that of the administration?”<\/p>\n
Jaime said he thinks he can maintain his autonomy.<\/p>\n
LeDoux also pointed out that Jaime is a part of Alaska Public Employees Association, which she said eased her mind about concerns the candidate could be influenced by the governor. She said it makes it harder for the governor to fire him, and provides a sort of firewall to help maintain impartiality.<\/p>\n
Rep. Adam Wool, D-Fairbanks, asked if Jaime was involved in any political campaigns involving marijuana, and Jaime said he has not.<\/p>\n
“I’ve never arrested anybody for it,” Jaime said.<\/p>\n
During public testimony, residents from around the state expressed concern the nominee was properly vetted.<\/p>\n
Greg Eagle, from Kodiak, said it’s important to keep in mind that (marijuana is) a legal business, and the public safety member needs to keep a positive attitude.<\/p>\n
“We need people who are up there just to make things work,” Eagle said.<\/p>\n