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Mayor's courage is praiseworthy

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published February 28, 2007

Re: Stanton job may hang in balance Feb. 27 story

I want to applaud Largo Mayor Pat Gerard for her courage, rationality, intelligence and understanding in this time of hysterical bigotry, prejudice, superstition and ignorance of gender ambiguities inherited in the genes by some people, through no fault of their own.

City Manager Steve Stanton's job performance has been excellent for 17 years and should be judged on that, not on what may or may not happen to people who feel uncomfortable with a new name or dress code.

At the very least, for consideration by the mayor and all the commissioners, should be that Mr. Stanton gets six months to demonstrate that he can continue to do excellent work for the city of Largo.

I respect Mayor Gerard highly for her courage during this shameful demonstration of undemocratic and irrational values.

Marilyn Weaver, Tarpon Springs

Re: God's choice was for him to be male Feb. 27 letter

A prayer for those who judge others

In his zealous attempts to quote the scriptures as a means of supporting his condemnation of Largo City Manager Steve Stanton, Bible-thumping Ken Hall apparently overlooked Matthew 7:2: "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Just as "Christians are praying for the whole Stanton family," according to Hall, I am praying that Hall and the "Christians" like him take the time to educate themselves about transgenderism so they can understand this is a psychological issue, not a moral one.

Thomas C. Rizzo, Jr., Largo

Vote down penny, end dole for pols

How sneaky of local politicians to put this on the March ballot. Given a choice between the penny and a two- or three-penny statewide sales tax that would eliminate or reduce property taxes, I'll take the latter any day.

Extending the penny tax time line reduces voter support for the sales tax. Don't be duped. Vote down the penny, and get the local pols off the dole.

John Schwartz, Clearwater

City neglects 'average' boaters

When is the City of Clearwater going to take care of us poor middle class boaters? The Seminole Street boat ramps look the same as they did 20 years ago.

We need space to park trailers. With the Belleair Causeway ramp closed, it is even worse.

Two blocks away there are vacant lots the city could buy or lease.

Had the city had addressed these problems, voters would not have objected as much.

We will see if people with average incomes will vote. More taxpayers use the boat ramp at Seminole Street than would use the new docks.

Glenn Dittmar, Clearwater

Your voice counts

You may submit a letter to the editor for possible publication through our Web site at www.tampabay.com/letters, or by faxing it to (727) 445-4119, or by mailing it to Letters, 710 Court St., Clearwater, FL 33756. You must include your name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity, taste and length.

[Last modified February 28, 2007, 06:50:18]