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6 2O24–2O2 5 GU I D E to Y E L LOW S P R I NG S I was at their beck and call,” Conine added. “I’ve always been willing to return to the classroom to talk about the history of Yellow Springs, to talk about what mayors do, judge science fairs — you name it.” “And I wound up doing all of those things,” she said with a smile. Conine said it’s not uncom- mon for her to teach even adults about the function of her role. As she explained, Yellow Springs’ governmental structure is unique. Unlike many municipalities, the mayor’s role in Yellow Springs is primarily judicial. Whereas magistrates or prosecutors oversee mayor’s courts else- where, Conine runs the show in Yellow Springs. Even the existence of a mayor’s court is novel, Conine said. The only other state to have them is Louisiana. While the American Civil Liberties Union has histori - cally been critical of mayor’s courts, noting that they tend to operate with little over - sight and disproportionately prosecute people of color on minor offenses, usually with the intent to generate local revenue, Conine said she runs her court with restorative justice in mind. “While I can’t change a charge, I can lower a fine or dismiss a case altogether,” Conine said. Most cases Conine adjudi- cates — around 80%, accord- ing to her — are traffic-related offenses. Other cases include misdemeanors such as pass- ing bad checks, assaults and animal- and tax-related cases. Crimes of violence and civil cases are sent to Greene County Municipal Court. Conine acknowledged that there are some in the village who wish a lawyer would preside in the mayor’s court, but as she sees it, a lawyer on retainer would be a financial burden on taxpayers. “I’m quite capable of adjudicating in my court and dispensing justice,” she said. Adding to this belief is the simple fact that, according to Conine, fewer and fewer people are summoned to mayor’s court. In working with former Police Chief Brian Carl - son and the Yellow Springs Justice System Task Force several years ago, Conine led the charge to reduce pretex- tual traffic stops. “Now, officers are making fewer stops and issuing out more warnings,” Conine said. “A lot of changes have been made to the way we police in Yellow Springs during my tenure, and that’s a good thing.” Much of Conine’s inclination ▲ Mayor Pam Conine performed her 127th wedding under the canopy of the information booth at the 2022 Fall Street Fair. P H O T O : L A U R E N ' C H U C K ' S H O W S REHABILITATION ASSISTED & INDEPENDENT LIVING EXTENDED CARE FACILITY AND OUT-PATIENT THERAPY Call for a Tour Today! 937-767-7363 150 E. Herman St., Yellow Springs, OH 45387 www.friendshealthcare.org OVER 40 YEARS! INDEPENDENT LIVING HOMES • Two and Three Bedroom Homes • Maintenance-Free Living SHORT TERM REHAB • Post Hospital Therapy • Out-Patient Therapy • 16 Large Private Rooms with Bath and Shower ASSISTED LIVING • Four apartment sizes, including LARGE one bedrooms • Medication Administration