Government and Politics
Thursday, December 13, 2012
New bill eliminates some mayor's courts
If passed, Linndale would be too small to qualify for its own mayor's court
by WKSU's SIMON HUSTED |
Reporter
Simon Husted | | |
The Village of Linndale may be in its final months of collecting traffic violation fees in what is regarded as the biggest speed trap on Interstate 71.
The Ohio legislature passed a bill Thursday that eliminates mayor’s courts in cities and villages with populations under 200. Sen. Tom Patton of Strongsville wrote the amendment, and says it eliminates a handful of the smallest mayor’s courts in the state, including Linndale’s, which has 179 residents.
Patton says the village generates nearly 80 percent of its revenue from the traffic violations it collects on I-71. |
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“The various cities of under 200 can continue to write tickets, if they choose to, however, they can no longer have a mayor’s court.” Patton says. “It will have to go to a municipal court or a common pleas court.”
Linndale Law Director George Simon could not be reached for comment. He’s previously defended the mayor’s court, saying it’s more convenient for hearings than a municipal court.
The bill now goes to Gov. Kasich for a signature, and a spokesman says he will likely sign the bill. |
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