Federal Judge Rules in Favor of Shaker Heights Taxpayers Union

A federal judge ruled this week that the Shaker Heights Taxpayers Union has the right to use a parodied version of the city's logo in its campaign material.

The Northern District of Ohio Judge Christopher Boyko's ruling came two weeks after the city the SHTU from disseminating materials with a logo that replaced two of the city's four leaves with dollar signs. It previously threatened its own legal action .

In response, the group against the city this month, accusing officials of "unconstitutional official conduct, policies, practices, regulations, restrictions, threats, intimidation, and/or harassment" related to its opposition of the Aug. 7 income tax increase vote.

Aided by the Columbus-based 1851 Center for Constitutional Law, the SHTU sought nominal damages. According to a Plain Dealer report, 1851 executive director Maurice Thompson said the group would seek $50,000 in legal fees from the city.

“This case featured an appalling attempt by city officials to silence anyone who stands in the way of their access to more of Shaker Heights residents’ earnings,” Thompson said in a statement.

“The Court’s Order preserves the rights of Ohioans to effectively criticize their local governments, particularly as they push for more taxes, and further acknowledges that political speech parodying one’s government cannot be abridged. 

“Conducting frivolous legal conduct on city time is not just unethical — it’s also a waste of public funds."

Shaker Heights Law Director Bill Gruber was not available for comment.

Follow Shaker Heights Patch on Twitter and 'Like' us on Facebook!