The ballot for this year's village election is taking shape.

Last Thursday, both the Democrats and Republicans held party caucuses to nominate candidates for the four offices to be filled in March.

Democrats, long the minority in village politics, had twice the number of registered party members at its caucus as did the Republicans.

"It's very nice to see this crowd. It's one of the biggest I ever remember seeing," said long-time village trustee Stu Taugher.

But despite the large turnout, the party was unable to field a candidate to run against incumbent Republican mayor Carol Waller, opening the door to her third unopposed run for the office.

Democrats did field candidates for the other three offices, including incumbent trustee Grace Kull, who is seeking a second three-year term.

In nominating Kull, Taugher said she has done an excellent job for the village and has always been helpful in many ways.

For the second trustee position, party members nominated former trustee Milo Stewart, who was defeated in his bid for re-election last March, Grove Street resident Danny Naughton, a registered independent; and Angus Mackie.

When the votes were tallied, Stewart prevailed and made his way back onto the ballot.

The nominations for village justice also turned into a three-way race. Nominated were incumbent Enid Hinkes, who is completing her first four-year term and seeking another; high school principal, former trustee and town supervisor Gary Kuch and former village police sargeant Joe Kenney.

In his nominating remarks, Hugh MacDougal commented that Hinkes is an experienced attorney and as far as he was concerned had earned the right to another term.

Party members agreed and selected her from the field of three candidates.

MacDougall commented that it was the most exciting caucus he had attended in 20 years.

"A lot has changed in the last year," said trustee Jeff Katz, who was elected last March. "Now people are willing to speak out - I'd like to see that continue."

An hour later, the Republican party met in the library to fill its ballot.

Carol Waller was nominated by Lee Malone to run for another two-year term.

Incumbent trustee Lee Malone was nominated in turn by Waller.

"She has served the village long and worked very hard and I would like her to continue," Waller said.

Danny Naughton attended the Republican caucus also where he was again nominated for the second trustee slot on the ballot.

"If elected, I will do my best for the village of Cooperstown," he said.

Waller nominated former mayor Wendell Tripp, but he declined and the mayor withdrew her nomination.

With no other nominations, Naughton was successful in getting a spot on the ballot.

Also making the move to the Republican caucus was Gary Kuch, who was nominated by Waller for the village justice position.

Being the only nominee, Kuch also was successful in finding his way onto the ballot.

There is still an opportunity for village residents to get on the ballot by circulating an independent nominating petition. Details concerning deadlines and required signatures are available from village clerk Teri Barown.

The village election is March 21.