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Ballot question on antigay bias discarded

Commissioners feared the proposed charter change could have revived the rancor that enveloped a human rights ordinance two years ago.

By LORRI HELFAND
Published December 6, 2005

LARGO - City commissioners have decided to drop a controversial ballot question that would prohibit discrimination against gay employees.

Commissioners rejected the question, saying it wasn't worth stirring up controversy since Largo already has an internal conduct code that forbids discrimination based on sexual orientation.

"It makes me very sad to think people will get that upset about it. The ugliness I saw a couple years ago I have no stomach to see right now," Commissioner Pat Gerard said, referring to friction over a proposed human rights ordinance in 2003.

City Manager Steve Stanton supported charter changes prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation. But in a memo two weeks ago, he warned commissioners it could be a volatile subject.

"I guess this issue can easily be exploited to bring out the worst in people," Stanton said Monday afternoon, adding that he was offended by the number of bigoted and denigrating comments during the human rights hearings two years ago.

The proposed human rights ordinance, which included protections for gays, lesbians and transgenders, divided the community for several months. It was supported by several groups but hotly criticized by others that said it endorsed lifestyle choices they felt were wrong.

Commissioners rejected the citywide ordinance, 4-3, in August 2003. But two months later they unanimously approved an internal policy that prohibited discrimination based on race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.

The commission discussed recommendations from the city's 15-member Charter Review Committee, deciding to omit language about commission salaries and cut changes that would prevent the commission from exercising the power of eminent domain to take private property for economic development.

Commissioners compromised on changes that defined the mayor's role, and supported amendments that could:

--Change city elections from March to November.

--Require referendum approval to abolish the police or fire departments.

--Remove the section of the current charter that prohibits city officials and employees from contributing to or participating in the management of the campaigns of commission candidates.

--Allow a simple majority vote of four commissioners, rather than a supermajority of five, to hire or fire the city manager.

Stanton said making it easier to remove a city manager could affect the city's ability to maintain long-term managers in the future. Stanton, who has served as city manager for 13 years, said he didn't think the amendment would affect him personally because of his tenure with the city, employment contract and connections in the community.

City Commissioner Gay Gentry, who favors a supermajority vote, also had concerns. She said the change could be problematic if officials "let emotions and personality conflicts get in the way."

Public hearings will be held on the proposed changes on Dec. 20 and Jan. 3. Voters will decide on commission-approved amendments in March.

--Lorri Helfand can be reached at 445-4155 or at lorri@sptimes.com

[Last modified December 6, 2005, 02:15:34]