It is simply not enough for Mr. Gruber to say he will "permit" SHTU to use a parody logo in its campaign. Mr. Gruber still doesn't understand that this is a right that is constitutionally granted to SHTU. It is exercised as a right and not at the sufferance or whim of Mr. Gruber. Mr. Gruber is disingenuous. He needs to admit he was wrong from the start. His previous actions can't be seen as anything but intimidating and threatening and I do not believe it was not his intent to suppress free expression.

On behalf of himself and the city, Mr. Gruber needs to publicly acknowledge that his actions were wrong and issue a full and public apology to SHTU and to the residents of Shaker, all of whom are tainted by his actions. Anything less should be reason for termination of his employment.

Thanks for reading, Paul. That's a strong opinion. I'd be interested to see if others in the city or the SHTU itself feels similarly or would push for something like this. It doesn't look like it, judging by their Facebook page. "Justice is served ... Now, on with the campaign," it reads.

Thanks for your comment Brandon. Just for the record, I have supported mayor Leiken on the fiscal management matters and on the tax issue but I support the first amendment more. I felt it important to call out Gruber on this important issue.

To Mark: Thanks for your comment. But with due respect, the "settlement" is of no interest or import to me. What I want everyone to know is that you don't need Gruber's permission to exercise your First Amendment rights and he can't withdraw that which he had no power to grant or deny in the first place. He has sullied the city's good name and he should be gone.

Replying to Glinda Smith's reply, I've lived in Shaker Heights for 19 years because it's a great place to live. I never liked the high taxes but quietly tolerated them because I was better able to afford them. Since 2008, however, my family has suffered losses in wealth and income and have had to cut back significantly just to make ends meet. I'm only asking that the City do the same instead of raising taxes. I've examined the City's budget and found that they can cut spending to fit lower projected revenues without cutting essential services like police, fire and EMS and public works. So I find it disingenuous when the City threatens to cut to essential services if the tax levy doesn't pass. Such actions violate the public trust.