The field for the St. Albert Progressive Conservative Association nomination has been cut in half, as three of the six candidates who announced their plans did not file papers on time.
Kent La Rose, Sleight Anstruther and Mark Cassidy, three men who announced they intended to run, failed to file nomination papers before Tuesday’s 5 p.m. deadline.
Anstruther, a local school vice-principal, said he had his papers and deposit in order, but missed the deadline by just a few minutes Tuesday. He said he is deeply disappointed, but also said the nomination committee did make the process clear.
“Certainly there is justification from their side. It is disappointing and if you are having an open process then so be it,” he said. “Apparently two minutes makes a huge difference for some reason.”
Anstruther said work and volunteer obligations prevented him from submitting his papers any earlier in the day.
Ross Pronishen, chair of the constituency’s nomination committee had no comment on the Anstruther situation.
La Rose, a volunteer with the city’s 150th anniversary celebrations, said he decided the race was simply no longer something he could commit to.
“I couldn’t for personal reasons get involved at this time.”
Local realtor Cassidy was also out of the race and the Gazette was unable to reach him Thursday afternoon.
The exits leave school trustee Jacquie Hansen, businessman Steve Khan and former Canadian Forces pilot Jeff Wedman as the remaining candidates in the race to replace retiring MLA Ken Allred.
