LINCOLN, Neb. (Nebraska Examiner) – A new vacancy on the three-member Nebraska Liquor Control Commission came at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen, which the former commissioner in that seat said happened because the governor wanted more “cannabis experience” on the regulatory board.

Former Commissioner Harry Hoch Jr., speaking with the Nebraska Examiner, confirmed this week that he was told he would not be reappointed to another six-year term to the Liquor Control Commission after his term expired May 24. Hoch said he had put in a request to be reappointed but withdrew it after talking with Dave Lopez, Pillen’s chief of staff, so his last day was May 24.

Hoch said the “nice” conversation with Lopez “basically boiled down to [that] I wasn’t going to be reappointed, because the governor wanted to get more cannabis experience in my seat.”

“There was no Hanky Panky there. It’s all above board,” Hoch said of his resignation, adding that he parted ways with the executive branch officials, “basically friends still.”

Medical cannabis duties

Under a ballot measure approved by about 67% of voters in November, the three members of the Liquor Control Commission also jointly serve on the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Commission.

Pillen’s two new at-large appointees to the medical cannabis board were confirmed by the Nebraska Legislature last week. The commission’s first meeting is Monday at 3 p.m.

“If you think about it, the three Liquor Control commissioners were put on the cannabis board just because it was a convenient way,” Hoch said.

In his resignation email, dated May 20, Hoch said it was “a pleasure to be able to serve and use my 40 years of industry knowledge” during his six years on the Liquor Control Commission.

Hoch represented Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District, which consists of Saunders County, Douglas County and western Sarpy County.

The resignation had nothing to do with the later action to suspend without pay the Liquor Commission’s executive director — an employee of the commission — one day after a federal search warrant was carried out on the commission, Hoch said.

The former commissioner said he did not know those “goings on.” Authorities have shared no other information about that investigation.

There has been no public announcement or call for applications for the 2nd District Liquor Commission vacancy. There was no announcement or call for applications for the Medical Cannabis Commission as of March 31, either. Pillen made the six-year appointments April 24.

Applications for open appointments to boards and commissions are available here.

‘A role even more critical’

In a May 20 email exchange between Lopez and Hoch, Lopez said the Governor’s Office would put out a statement recognizing Hoch’s service and look for another way that the former commissioner could serve. It’s unclear whether any statement was sent about Hoch.

“As discussed, I will personally see to identifying several possibilities for continued state-appointed service that will befit your experience, wisdom and stature,” Lopez wrote to Hoch. “I cannot overstate how valuable it is to have good people willing to serve in appointed positions, and candidly, I am hopeful we can engage you in a role even more critical than LCC is presently.”

Pillen confirmed in an interview this week with the Examiner that he directed the call for Hoch’s resignation, as he believes serving at the “pleasure of the governor” means appointing someone when a term expires, though he was grateful for Hoch’s work.

Hoch was appointed by former Gov. Pete Ricketts. Pillen accepted Hoch’s resignation May 21.

Asked if Pillen had a reason for Hoch’s resignation, the governor said: “No, just time.”

A spokesperson for the governor declined to comment on the pending appointment process beyond a previous comment that the vacancy would be filled “in due course.”

‘Important we get it right’

Pillen reiterated that he also always supported medical cannabis but does not support a “leak” to recreational marijuana — ”no way, shape or form.” He previously said access to medical cannabis should only come after U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval.

Pillen committed to taking the medical cannabis duties seriously while protecting kids.

“We’re gonna do it, fulfill the will of the people as quickly as possible,” Pillen said.

He then pointed to the “be quick, but don’t hurry” phrase popularized by former American basketball Coach John Wooden and added: “This is important we get it right.”

Nebraska Examineris part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Nebraska Examiner maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Aaron Sanderford for questions:info@nebraskaexaminer.com.

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