Although it was only 30 people, it was the biggest crowd in years at the annual League of Women Voters Candidates' Night Tuesday in the village meeting room.

This year's election features contested in races for two seats on the village board of trustees and the office of village justice. The office of mayor is being sought only by incumbent Republican trustee Carol Waller.

Waller has been on the board for almost eight years and has served as deputy mayor the last six. She owns Mohican Flowers on Main Street with her father Charles Bateman.

The mayoral hopeful told residents she is open and willing to look for options. "I don't know it all, but I'm willing to learn. I'm looking forward to the future."

Waller said the village is facing major infrastructure projects with streets, the sewer and water systems and a new water reservoir and that she is willing to look for new ways to pay for them - specifically with grant money - a source the village has been relatively unsuccessful with in recent years.

She is the chair of the finance committee and commented that she believes the village is in good financial health. She also said that after working on the budget, she was hopeful there would not have to be a tax increase this year despite undertaking the reconstruction of much of Main Street this fall.

The candidates for village board are Republican incumbents David Sanford and Ed Tripp and Democratic challengers Milo Stewart Jr. and Madalyn Cimino.

Sanford is a life-long resident of the village and is the General Manager of the Leatherstocking Corporation. His six-year tenure on the board and his familiarity with the workings of village government were clearly demonstrated during quesitioning by residents.

Ed Tripp, a Main Street businessman, was out of town and did not attend the event.

Milo Stewart Jr., the chairman of this year's Winter Carnival is also a Cooperstown native. He is a former newspaper photographer and is currently employed by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

Madalyn Cimino was born, raised and schooled in Cooperstown and was for 30 years, until her retirement in 1997, a medical school registrar in New Hampshire. She returned to Cooperstown five years ago.

In response to concerns from residents about the changing character of the village, particularly in regard to the various types of B&Bs operating in the village, the candidates offered some suggestions.

"We need to clamp down on codes," Sanford said.

Cimino said she didn't think the village could control the number of homeowners who rent rooms, unless there are regulations in place. "I don't know how it can be controlled," she said.

Stewart, a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals said he believes some level of control is possible by not continuing to routinely grant use variances allowing more rooms in tourist accommodations. "We can control use variances on B&Bs and should not stray from that. I don't think we should budge on it. Longer, short-term rentals have to be curtailed and watched," he said.

Both Stewart and Sanford said that the cost of tourism is something village residents will have to live with.

"The cost of tourism is something we have to accept," Sanford said.

"I agree with David. It's a mainstay of the community; something we have to accept," Stewart said.

Retired attorney Enid Hinkes and businessman Ron Streek are running for the four-year term as village justice.

Hinkes is a relative newcomer to the area and lives on Middlefield Center Road. She practiced law for over 30 years in Washington D.C. and still has a part-time practice here.

Streek's family has been in the Cooperstown area since the 1930s and he has lived on Main Street for 18 years where he and his wife operate a B&B.

Hinkes said the most important thing she would bring to the position is her background and knowledge of law that will help her to understand the issues and make rulings based on the law. "You have to be considerate, fair and get to the bottom of issues," she said. "You don't learn the rules of evidence in a few days."

Streek said each case must be evaluated on its own merits and that he would "try to be just and fair."

All the candidates were asked the simple question "Why should I vote for you?"

"Because I will never disappoint you. I have the time and once I make a commitment, I give it my all," Cimino said.

"I will do the job with integrity and professionalism," replied Hinkes.

Sanford said voters should choose him because of his experience and engineering background.

"Because I am a lifelong resident and I will retire here and hope my children will have the same opportunity," Stewart said.

Streek said he is the best candidate because he cares about Cooperstown and will bring a fair and honest court to the town.

Waller also said it was her experience that voters should turn to.

The election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, with voting in the firehouse from 12 noon to 9 p.m.