Press Release, Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
GO Health is pleased to announce that it has been awarded national accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB).
Established in 2007, PHAB is the nonprofit organization that administers the national accreditation program, which aims to advance and transform public health practice by championing performance improvement, strong infrastructure, and innovation.
“We are honored to receive recognition from PHAB for achieving national standards that enhance effectiveness and promote continuous improvement,” said Paul Pettit, Public Health Director for GO Health. “This accreditation is our commitment to residents, partners, stakeholders, the legislature, and Board of Health that we will uphold the highest standards of services to keep our community safe and healthy.”
PHAB accreditation is awarded to health departments that meet or exceed a comprehensive set of quality standards and measures. This achievement signifies that GO Health operates with efficiency, accountability, and a dedication to continuous improvement.
“Earning accreditation is a testament to the dedication and hard work of GO Health in delivering robust high-quality public health services,” said Rochelle Stein, chairwoman of the Genesee County Legislature. “This achievement reflects a strong commitment to the well-being of our residents. On behalf of the Genesee County Legislature, I am proud to recognize the team’s dedication and well-earned honor. I commend their steadfast commitment to the health and well-being of our community.”
“GO Health is so integral to our community, providing vast services that our residents depend on, from early intervention to lead poisoning, to rabies clinics, and much, much more,” said Lynne Johnson, chairwoman of the Orleans County Legislature. “Their accreditation again shows the high quality of their work and is a great example of how intermunicipal cooperation between Orleans and Genesee counties created a first-class public health operation to meet the public’s needs.”
Accreditation is a mark of distinction that strengthens public health departments, enhances performance, and builds trust with the communities they serve. As accredited health departments, GO Health will continue to prioritize evidence-based practices, innovative solutions, and strong partnerships to ensure a healthier future for the residents of Genesee and Orleans counties.
“The resilient GO Health staff, partners, and Board of Health played a vital role in making this a reality,” said Paul Grout, President of the Board of Health. “I want to especially thank Kristine Voos and Carie Doty, for taking on a leadership role in this process. Additionally, I extend my gratitude to Paul Pettit, the Accreditation Team and the entire staff for their hard work and dedication.”
For more information about GO Health programs and services, visit GOHealthNY.org.
ALBION – Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C-Batavia) is announcing this year’s Patriot Trip to Washington, D.C. The trip will run from September 18 to 21 and is open to local veterans and their families.
Participants will get a tour of the nation’s capital and its numerous monuments and landmarks that honor those who served. This year’s trip will feature stops at several notable locations in the D.C. area, including the WWII, Korean and Vietnam War memorials and Arlington National Cemetery. Hawley is hoping to schedule a visit to the White House as well.
“This trip is an excellent opportunity to honor not only our local veterans but also those who served before them,” said Hawley. “I am incredibly excited to host this event for another year. We owe our veterans a deep level of gratitude for all they have sacrificed for the freedoms we enjoy in this country, so being able to take them to our nation’s capital to see these historic landmarks is truly an honor.”
Due to the many generous donations from the community, local businesses and organizations, we are expecting the cost to be $450-$500 per person with everything included. Registration by June 13 is required for those interested in a White House tour for the purpose of a background check.
To register, contact Hawley’s office at (585) 589-5780 or email hawleys@nyassembly.gov for more details.
For those who wish to donate to support this event, please make your donation out to Patriot Trip and send it to PO Box 171, Albion, NY 14411.
ALBION – Hoag Library is seeking community-minded individuals to fill two open positions on the library’s board of trustees. The elections will take place on Monday, May 5, with the annual meeting to follow at 7 p.m.
To be eligible, candidates must reside within the Hoag Library service area (Albion Central School District). The available positions are for a four-year term and a two-year term to fill a vacancy.
Petitions and instructions are available at the library’s Circulation Desk during regular business hours. Completed petitions are due by Monday, April 7, at 7 p.m.
Hoag Library encourages individuals with a passion for public service, education, and community engagement to consider this rewarding opportunity.
For more information, please contact Hoag Library at (585) 589-4246 or visit the library.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 24 March 2025 at 4:40 pm
MEDINA – The 2025 Spring Wellness Fair at Medina Memorial Hospital is an excellent opportunity for the community to prioritize their health and well-being, according to Scott Robinson, director of Marketing at Orleans Community Health.
“I believe we have a lot working in our favor this time around,” Robinson said. “First and foremost, a sponsorship from the Greater Rochester Health Foundation is allowing us to offer free preventative screenings to community members. The addition of the clinics has also drawn a lot of attention.”
Robinson continued to say there is a significant shortage of pediatric care in the area, and for six hours during the fair, families will have the opportunity to meet Leah Brenner, recently hired certified pediatric nurse practitioner, and ask her anything. She will also distribute free bicycle helmets while supplies last.
He added they are also fortunate to have Jill Klotzbach, with whom the community is familiar from her years with Dr. Boulos. She will be running a hearing clinic during the event, providing hearing evaluations and education on hearing health. The clinic will be open throughout the event.
“These two clinics are fantastic additions to Lumps & Bumps, which surgeon Dr. Devon Huff ran in the surgery clinic last year,” Robinson said. “When you combine all of this with the excitement surrounding the 100th anniversary of Medina Memorial Hospital, we’re looking at a truly exciting Wellness Fair ahead.”
The Spring Wellness Fair will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 5. As a reminder, Lumps & Bumps from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. will feature Dr. Huff offering consultations for individuals with concerns about lumps, bumps or growths on their body. The clinic will provide a thorough examination and guidance on the next steps.
All clinics are free of charge and no registration is required. Registration is still required for preventative screenings in radiology and the laboratory. Click here for information on registration.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 March 2025 at 4:33 pm
AAA is reporting the average price for regular unleaded gas is up 5 cents nationally in the past week to $3.13 a gallon, while the state average is down a penny to $3.10.
A year ago the national average was $3.53, while the state average was at $3.43, AAA said.
“Even though the price of crude oil remains below $70 a barrel, prices at the pump are going up as more refineries make the seasonal switch to summer-blend gasoline,” AAA said. “Summer-blend gas is less likely to evaporate in warmer temperatures and is more expensive to produce.”
Here are the average prices in counties around Western New York:
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 March 2025 at 4:29 pm
WNY National Cemetery in Pembroke hosting event on Saturday
PEMBROKE – Veterans from Orleans County will provide the Honor Guard for the final Vietnam Veteran Commemoration Ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Western New York National Cemetery.
The public is invited to the ceremony at 1254 Indian Falls Rd. The event will be held at the assembly area around the garrison flag. Attendees are urged to park in the parking area near the visitors center.
The Western New York National Cemetery Memorial Council will be hosting the final ceremony honoring the Vietnam War veterans.
The Honor Guard will provide a rifle volley and Taps at the service which will include a comparative wreath laying ceremony, the singing of the national anthem, opening and closing prayers, and a keynote address by Patrick Welch, PhD, a Vietnam War veteran and Purple Heart recipient. Welch was a sergeant in the Marine Corps. He led the Center for Veterans and Veteran Family Services at Daemen College in Buffalo. He is the former director of the Erie County Veterans Service Agency.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 March 2025 at 9:10 pm
Danny Campbell, Ron Meiers reach 50 years of service
Photos by Tom Rivers: Danny Campbell was recognized for 50 years of service to the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Company on Saturday. He speaks to about 225 people during a banquet at the Clarendon Rec Hall.
CLARENDON – The Murray Joint Fire District and Clarendon Volunteer Fire Company held a combined fire department banquet and awards celebration on Saturday night, with about 225 people attending the event at the Clarendon Rec Hall.
Both groups recognized members with milestone anniversaries and they also recognized top responders and others with significant contributions to the organizations.
Clarendon Fire Chief Bob Freida presents gifts to Danny Campbell on reaching the 50-year milestone with the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Company.
There were two firefighters recognized for 50 years of service. Ron Meiers, a past Holley fire chief, remains very active with the department, which has been part of the Murray Joint Fire District since 2021. Meiers was unable to attend the banquet on Saturday. He will be recognized in an upcoming commissioners meeting, said Fire Chief Rick Cary.
Danny Campbell has been an active volunteer with the Clarendon Fire Company for 50 years. He followed the example of his late parents, Everett and Letha, by joining the fire company. Mrs. Campbell was especially dedicated to the Clarendon ambulance.
“My parents were so big into it that I just followed their footsteps,” Campbell said.
He twice served as fire chief, and has been president and held every office except treasurer and secretary. He still drives the fire trucks to many scenes.
Danny’s son, Matt, has 30 years in with the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Company and Danny’s grandsons are eager to join.
Danny credited his wife Diana for her understanding when duty called him away so often.
“In my 50 years I’ve seen a lot but the number one person I have to thank is my wife,” he told the crowd.
Campbell, 68, said he intends to stay active as a firefighter for as long as he can.
“When the tones go off, I respond,” he said.
(Left) Bob Beisang accepts an award from Murray Joint Fire District leaders Pete Hendrickson, center, and Kevin Dann for all of Beisang’s efforts with writing grants, record keeping and solving issues with computers.
(Right) Dan Schiavone was named “Top responder” by Murray Fire Chief Rick Cary. Schiavone and his partner Jenna Amering are fast to respond to many calls during the night. They live about Schiavone’s dental office on the Public Square, not far from the fire station. Schiavone also is knowledgeable on using the fire trucks and trains many of the younger firefighters on how to use equipment.
Mark Porter received the President’s Award for his efforts to move projects forward for the Murray firefighters. Karl Biedlingmaler received the Clarendon President’s Award from Craig Hadden for the many ways Biedlingmaler assists the fire company.
John Morris received a “distinguished service” award from the Murray fire chief for Morriss’s work with the fire police and helping arrange volunteers from the fire district for many of the events in the community.
Jeff Elsenheimer received a “Chief’s Award” for his leadership at scenes when Murray chiefs aren’t there.
Chief Cary said 2024 was the busiest so far for the district with 788 calls. He praised the partnership between Murray and Clarendon, frequently providing mutual aid for each.
Clarendon Fire Chief Bob Freida, right, presents the “Chief’s Award of Excellence” to Rick Cary, the Murray fire chief, on behalf of the mutual aid from Murray for many calls in Clarendon.
Bob Freida received the Clarendon Board of Directors Award for his work getting the Clarendon Benevolent Association started.
Clarendon firefighters responded to 459 calls in 2024.
Freida said the department is looking to replace a chief’s truck and a brush truck this year, and also pave the parking lot by the fire hall/rec hall.
Robbie Weit, 8, was welcomed as a honorary member of the Clarendon Fire Company by Fire Chief Bob Freida and Deputy Chief Don Moiser. Robbie has made posters for both Clarendon and Murray fire halls about the Sept.11 attacks that killed 343 New York City firefighters. Robbie dresses as a firefighter at Halloween and looks forward to joining the department when he is older.
Frank Balys, chairman of the board of commissioners for the Murray Joint Fire District, said the district was awarded a $500,000 state grant last year that will replace turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus. Murray is putting its order in for the equipment on Monday.
Scott Elliott of Kendall also was recognized after retiring with 35 years at Monroe Ambulance, including 30 years as a paramedic serving the communities of eastern Orleans and western Monroe. Elliott attended the banquet and was pleased to see so many of the firefighters he has worked with over the years. “It was a chance to say good bye and thank them for working with everyone so long.”
The Clarendon Fire Company’s Board of Directors include: President – Craig Hadden; Vice President – Pat Cain; Directors – Robert Margis, Troy Kingdollar, Earl Jenks, James DeYoung and Dan Campbell.
The Fancher-Hulberton-Murray Fire Company’s Board of Directors include: President – Adam Blosenhauer; Vice President – Joseph A. Morlino; Directors – D.J. Blosenhauer, Billy Bower, Jim Fox and Ed Morgan; Treasurer – Mary Blosenhauer.
The Holley Fire Company’s Board of Directors include: President – Fran Gaylord; Vice President – Raymond McMillion; Directors – Kevin Dann, Shannon McMillion and John Morris; Secretary – Courtney Strickland.
The Clarendon Fire Company’s Line Officers include: Chief – Robert Freida; Deputy Chief – Don Mosier; Assistant Chief – Karl Biedlingmaler; Captain – Troy Kingdollar; Lieutenant – James DeYoung, Bill Gergly and Earl Jenks; and Safety Officer – Dan Campbell and Bob Margis.
The Murray Joint Fire District Board of Commissioners include: Chairman – Frank Balys; Co-Chairman – Scott Harrington; Commissioners – Chris Middleton, Dave Knapp, Robert Beisang, Jenna Amering and Mark Porter; and Secretary/Treasurer – Tiffany Jewell-Frew.
The Murray Line Officers include: Chief – Richard Cary; Deputy Chief – Peter Hendrickson Jr.; Assistant Chief – Kevin Dann; Captain – Jeff Elsenheimer and Chris Chilson; Lieutenant – Allan Smith and Chris Middleton; EMS Lieutenant – Mark Porter and Hunter Salamaca; Fire Police Captain – John Morriss; and Fire Police Lieutenant – Jerry Wagner.
Pete Hendrickson, left, and Don Mosier remember three local firefighters who passed away in 2024, including Don Blosenhauer, a 50-year member of Fancher-Hulberton-Murray; Kerry McCormack, 25-year member of Clarendon and also a long-time EMT with Monroe Ambulance; and Margaret Morse, a 17-year volunteer with the Clarendon fire police.
ALBION – “Tucked among the keepsakes that reflect the earlier years of this unique county are the recipes found in this treasury. Some are copied, some created, some from yesteryear and some from today. All with a special touch from a special person – the one who so generously shared their favorite recipe.”
“Favorite Recipes of Orleans County” is a spiral bound community cookbook produced in 1979 by the Orleans County Historical Association. It was printed in Albion by the Eddy Printing Company. Mary Shuler and Millie Scofield were co-chairwomen.
A hefty tome, with over 300 pages, it is double the size of a regular community cookbook. It includes the staple community cookbook recipes one would expect but also includes heirloom recipes from grandmothers and great-grandmothers, thus linking back to the early years of the county.
Mrs. Charles Defendorf (Rose Hart) submitted a recipe for Salt Raising Bread which was passed down from her great grandmother, Matilda West, 1826-1899. It begins:
“Start bread at night. Scald 2tbsp. of cornmeal and ½ tsp each of salt, sugar, and soda in 1 cup sweet milk. Cover and set in warm place overnight…..”
A recipe for Gingerbread submitted by Doris Bannister is traced back to a descendant of John Proctor, “the Paul Revere of the Ridge” who, in 1813, alerted the residents along Ridge Rd. that “the British were coming.”
A recipe for Corn Bread which includes yeast, mashed potato and cornmeal is traced back to the Matthew Dunham family, the earliest settlers in the Lakeside area of the Town of Carlton.
A recipe for Homemade Ale copied from the Journals of Samuel Brent, Canterbury, England, dates to 1829. It was submitted by his great-granddaughter, Betty Hurd.
Not surprisingly, there are many variations of apple recipes: Apple Grunt, Apple John, Apple Roll, Elegant Apple Pie, French Apple Pie, Apple Cake, Apple Chip Cake, Applesauce Cake, Apple Pie Cake, Apple Pudding Cake, Glazed German Apple Bread, Apple Stuffed Pork Chops, and Squirrel in Apple Bake.
Several recipes reflect the strong English heritage of the county’s population: Grandma’s English Trifle, English mincemeat and 19th Century Whig Rolls.
So many recipes with intriguing names: Taylor Duff, Tell Your Neighbor Cake, Seafoam Salad, Pickled Seckel Pears and The Old Stand By, to mention but a few.
Interspersed with the recipes are nuggets of local history such as: how Troutburg got its name, the Orleans Meat Processing Company in Albion, canning in Holley, the cheese factories. A section on Remedies includes instructions on how to make soap using potash, lard, and rosin, how to remove wrinkles, make a liniment or a mustard plaster.
“Favorite Recipes of Orleans County” is a heartfelt homage to the families who have lived in Orleans County and to the cooks who sustained them. If you don’t own a copy, keep an eye out at yard sales and book sales. If you are lucky, you may even find an edited version, with the former owner’s comments critiquing the recipes!
MEDINA – Medina’s JV and Varsity Winterguards competed on Saturday at Greece Central School for the sixth competition of this season.
Eleven guard units in different classifications competed. Medina’s JV guard competed in the Cadet class and earned 1st place over Batavia with a score of 63.08.
Medina’s varsity guard was unopposed in the A1 class and earned a score of 70.58. There were substantial changes to each show to enhance the portrayal of their theme. The skills and stamina that these students exhibit every time they perform is amazing and indicative of their commitment to this artform.
The Winterguard championships are scheduled for Saturday, March 29th at the Gates-Chili High School and every guard registered in the North East Color Guard Circuit will perform.
Medina’s JV winterguard won first place in the Cadet class.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 23 March 2025 at 8:58 am
Eddie Hilfiker of Who Dats thankful for life-saving actions
Photos by Tom Rivers: Eddie Hilfiker, guitarist for the Who Dats, attended Saturday’s awards banquet for the Clarendon and Murray fire companies and districts to thank the responders who saved his life on Feb. 8 after he had a heart attack.
CLARENDON – Eddie Hilfiker was packing up his guitars on Feb. 8, 2025 after a three-hour concert at the Clarendon Rec Hall with the Who Dats.
Hulfiker, 74, has played with the popular local band for the past 20 years. The Holley resident has been playing music since he was 13.
John Borello, left, and Ed Hilfiker, guitarists with The Who Dats, perform at the Orleans County 4-H Fair in this photo from July 2015. Hilfiker is an iconic figure locally with the band and is known for his hats while playing with the band.
A cold wintry night made for a smaller-than-expected crowd at the rec hall for a steak dinner and concert. The Who Dats usually bring in lots of people for their concerts.
Hilfiker was the last one in the rec hall’s main room. Everyone else was gone.
There were six people back in the bar, cleaning up.
One of them walked down the hallway to the main room and saw Hilfiker on the floor and unresponsive. The entire group was called and they performed CPR and shocked Hilfiker’s heart with an AED. They called for more help from Mercy Ambulance and other firefighters.
Hilfiker’s heart started beating and he would survive. He was talking with medics as they took him out of the rec hall and to Strong Memorial Hospital.
He would have quadruple bypass surgery and is taking medication for his heart. Hilfiker said he expects to be back performing with the Who Dats soon. He may use a stool while he plays the guitar instead of standing for the entire three to four hours like most of their concerts.
Hilfiker on Saturday attended the annual banquet for the Murray and Clarendon fire companies and districts. Clarendon Fire Chief Bob Freida and Murray Fire Chief Rick Cary presented “Lifesaving” awards to 12 people for their quick response that night. The awards credit the responders for their “fast thinking and swift, professional action on Feb. 8, 2025 leading to the saving another human life.”
The responders hadn’t trained together before as a unit, yet they did everything with precision to save Hilfiker, Freida said.
“The teamwork was amazing,” he said.
The following were recognized on Saturday during a banquet at the Clarendon rec hall for life-saving actions on Feb. 8. pictured from left, in front, include Mercy medic Mike Senebeck, Mercy paramedic Brittani Mack, Murray firefighter Jenna Amering, Murray firefighter Dan Schiavone, Clarendon past chief Jim DeYoung, Murray firefighter Colton Tuttle, East Pembroke firefighter Joey Gibson (grandson of DeYoung), Clarendon Fire Chief Robert Freida, and Murray Deputy Chief Peter Hendrickson. In back include: Mercy medic James Fisher, Murray Assistant Chief Kevin Dann, Murray Town Supervisor Gerald Rightmyer, Rochester police officer Liza Dann, Clarendon Town Councilman Chris Caulfield and Fran Gaylord, past chief for Murray.
Hilfiker attended the banquet on Saturday and thanked the responders for being there for him.
“Without them I’d be dead,” Hilfiker said at the Clarendon Rec Hall, where about 225 people attended the annual banquet. “I’m not ready to leave the grandchildren.”
Six people were honored with a “Lifesaving Award” for providing the initial response for Hilfiker. That included 13 minutes of CPR and shocks from an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). That device delivers an electric shock to help restore a normal heartbeat in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.
The six on scene who initially assisted Hilfiker include Murray Deputy Chief Peter Hendrickson, Murray Assistant Chief Kevin Dann, Clarendon Chief Robert Freida, Clarendon Town Councilman Chris Caulfield, Murray Town Supervisor Gerald Rightmyer, and Rochester police officer Liza Dann.
These nine people jumped into action when they arrived on scene to help: Jim DeYoung, past chief from Clarendon; East Pembroke firefighter Joey Gibson, a grandson of DeYoung; from the Murray joint fire district – past chief Fran Gaylord, firefighter Dan Schiavone, firefighter Jenna Amering, and firefighter Colton Tuttle; Mercy paramedic Brittani Mack, Mercy medic James Fisher and Mercy medic Mike Senebeck.
This group is recognized with a “Lifesaving Award” on Saturday. From left include Joey Gibson, Jim DeYoung, Eddie Hilfiker, Bob Freida, Gerry Rightmyer, Chris Caulfield, James Fisher and Mike Senebeck.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 March 2025 at 9:43 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Teanna Church of Holley heads to the finish line ahead of Barbara Sauer of Buffalo in today’s Wayne Burlison Colon Cancer Awareness 5K.
They were among 75 finishers in a race that is in memory of an Albion elementary music teacher who passed away at age 36 from colon cancer on March 26, 2014.
Laura Strutz served as the announcer after the race when the awards were handed out for the top three overall in male and female, and the top three in each age group. The cafeteria in the elementary school hosted the awarded event, which included refreshments.
Strutz urged men to get checked for colon cancer if they are 45 or older, or 40 or older if they have a family history with colon cancer.
Wolfpack Multisport organizes the race in Albion and also will be doing the Strawberry Festival 5K and 8K on June 14. Wolfpack organizes about 20 events in the Rochester and Syracuse areas.
Lindon Morici won the award for fastest female int he 5K and her two daughters were the top two finishers in the fun run. Morici is shown with daughters Winter, 6, at left, and Summer, age 9.
Screenshot
Medina firefighter Adam Fisher, left, heads towards the finish. Medina Fire Chief Matt Jackson, right in a photo looking through a tree, also completed the course that is slightly longer than a 5K at 3.17 miles.
The distance symbolizes the 3 months and 17 days Burlison lived from when he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer until his death on March 26, 2014.
The top three male finishers include, from left: Jose Miguel Silva, winner in 18:19; Brad Kingdollar of Clarendon, third in 20:39; and Joe Silliman of West Seneca, second in 20:06.
Wayne Burlison’s wife Lisa addresses the runners at the start of the race. “He was an incredible man of integrity, faith and perseverance who loved Jesus, family, music and running,” she said about Wayne. Burlison’s son Adam completed the course today.
She is recently remarried to Tom Wink, left. Bert Gallmon, Wolfpack Mulitsports owner, is at right. Mrs. Wink and Gallmon both urged people to get checked for colon cancer.
Proceeds from the race help continue a scholarship in Burlison’s name that goes to a graduating senior with a passion for the arts, who demonstrates perseverance and overcame challenges.
Sponsors for today’s race included Silsby Family Dental, Mitchell Family Cremations & Funerals, Albion Agencies Insurance, and Dubby’s Tailgate.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 March 2025 at 3:53 pm
SHELBY/YATES – The following candidates have been interviewed and endorsed by the Orleans County Conservative Party:
Town Supervisor Shelby: James F. Heminway
Town Councilman Shelby: Lawrence M. Waters Sr.
Town Councilman Shelby: Edward M. Zelazny
Town Councilman Yates: William C. Jurinich for 4-year term
Town Councilman Yates: Steven Vann for 2-year term
Town Justice Yates: Donald F. Grabowski
Orleans County Conservative Party Chairman Paul Lauricella Jr. said the candidates interviewed with the committee, and have shown they are “engaged citizens” who attend their town board workshops and meetings, “and ask questions and hold their government accountable.”
The Conservative Party Committee is backing social conservatives and “true fiscal common-sense conservatives.”
“These are not just fly-by-nights who have never shown their face to a Town Board meeting or workshop,” Lauricella said. “These are the real deal, my friends.”
Lauricella urges Republicans in the June 24 primaries to back the Conservative Party candidates.