Monday marked the end of the 90-day signature collection period for the petition to recall Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf. It’s been a frustrating time for many, who have been unable to sign the petition or even find the person behind it. Three months ago, Ryan Tanner submitted an application for a citizen’s petition to recall Neudorf, who serves as the affordability and utilities minister for the United Conservative Party government. Since then, it appears Tanner has made little to no effort to collect signatures. It’s unclear if anyone has been able to sign the petition. “Well, it definitely has been somewhat frustrating. Although legally there was a petition put out by Ryan Tanner and some alleged accomplices, it went nowhere as far as we know,” said Barb Phillips, a member of the Lethbridge Raging Grannies, who attempted to sign the petition. CTV News has been unable to locate or speak with Tanner despite multiple attempts. Meanwhile, speculation as to what’s taken place has ranged from an attempt to sabotage a legitimate petition to Neudorf himself being involved. There’s no proof to the rumours and Neudorf has denied the allegation. Neudorf said in a statement, “I remain steadfast in my commitment to serve every constituent, including those who have had concerns or felt unheard.” The recall act does not require a petitioner to actually collect signatures. Elections Alberta will not say if any complaints have been filed. Elections Alberta said any investigation requires that the election commissioner have “reasonable grounds to believe” an infraction has occurred. Still, the situation could leave a sour taste in the mouths of voters come the next election. “He’s tainted at the very least by presumably the actions of some of his fairly avid supporters, and that is the kind of thing that certainly could stick despite any disavows that he was practically, tangibly involved in this,” said political scientist Trevor Harrison. Results from the petition will be published within the next 28 days.
