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Today's Letters: Largo has displayed an embarrassing intolerance

By LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Published March 1, 2007

Largo officials vote to dismiss Stanton Feb. 28, story 

I would like to go on record as one more Largo citizen who is not pleased with the decision on Tuesday night to terminate Steve Stanton's employment.

As city manager, Stanton has greatly improved my city and I appreciate his hard work and dedication. I grew up in Clearwater. Largo was not the nicest place then - in fact we called it Larghetto! The upgrades made during Steve's tenure have been tremendous.

I, like Mayor Pat Gerard, am embarrassed by the intolerance, fear and discrimination the city commissioners and many of the speakers displayed at the meeting. In particular, the Lighthouse Baptist Church should terminate its relationship with the pastor who spoke at the meeting. Saying that if Jesus were here he would guarantee he would support the termination - that is appalling! What about respect and caring about others? Doesn't he have those values?

Tuesday night reminded me of the Salem witch trials. Fear was the driving force then as it most certainly was Tuesday night.

I am a mother, and I want my children to grow up in a city that accepts people for who they are and is better for the differences of its people.

The city commissioners who voted against Steve Stanton should be ashamed of themselves for their unacceptable behavior. I know I am!

Cheryl McLean, Largo

Largo officials vote to dismiss Stanton Feb. 28, story

We look bad, again

Once again Florida will make national news. Once again we won't look good.

Steve Stanton has been the city manager of Largo for 14 years. Last fall he was awarded a substantial pay raise (presumably he was doing a good job). The City Commission's vote to dismiss him can only logically be related to his personal decision to have a sex-change operation.

It is my understanding that patients considering this surgery undergo counseling and evaluation by qualified medical practitioners. I am ashamed to live in a state so bigoted that termination of this man is even being considered - let alone a done deal.

I would like to extend my best wishes and sincere apologies to Stanton and his family.

Lori Naumann, Spring Hill

Largo officials vote to dismiss Stanton Feb. 28, story

Cowardly intolerance

I am so disappointed in the decision of the Largo city commissioners. Steve Stanton displayed admirable courage in "coming out" about his sexual identity. He has tried for more than 40 years to be "normal," to fight this urge to become a woman. His life would have been much easier if he had continued as before. He would still have a job. Instead he has chosen the more difficult path of going through the arduous process of becoming a woman. He has opened himself up to public ridicule and disdain.

The City Commission determined in a cowardly way to not even give him an opportunity to continue to perform his job well, as he has done for the past 14 years. Given a few weeks, the media frenzy likely would have died. Instead, Largo has reinforced the message that it is an intolerant community. Shame on you!

Kitty Pelster Rawson, St. Petersburg

Judged for difference

I am so disappointed to hear the decision the Largo commissioners made to fire Steve Stanton. I am a Catholic, heterosexual, 30-something female who really knows nothing about transsexuality. I do not understand it.

What I do understand is that Stanton and his family are going through a very challenging personal matter. This is not about religion or politics. Stanton has not lied to anyone. After being approached with the rumor by the St. Petersburg Times, Stanton was very honest about his position. He has done what anyone else in his position would have done by confiding in those he trusted the most for comfort, support and guidance, while preparing to make his personal matter very public.

Maybe he wouldn't have been able to perform his duties after his "change." Or maybe he would be able to do a better job.

I don't think "we the people" have advanced near as far as we would like to believe when judgment is placed upon a man for being different. This isn't about religion or politics. This is about people being uncomfortable with something they are unfamiliar with. This is about not wanting to step out of our comfort zone and embrace diversity. I am sorry, Mr. Stanton, that so much hatred and judgment has been placed upon you. Best of luck to you and your family.

Jamee Landgrebe, Dunedin

Largo officials vote to dismiss Stanton Feb. 28, story

Try understanding

What a sad day for our community. As president of PFLAG Pinellas (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual and Transgender persons), I speak for my entire chapter when I express my outrage and sadness at the outcome of the vote by the city commissioners of Largo to dismiss City Manager Steve Stanton.

As a citizen of our community, I hope that we would appreciate the diversity in our area. I hope that we would try to understand and embrace those who are different from ourselves. I hope that we would try to educate ourselves where our schooling has let us down, so we could understand and appreciate each other and our differences.

Transgenderism is widely misunderstood. It is so easy to pass judgment on people who have come to terms with this and want to live their lives as truthfully as they can. Such a person wants to look in the mirror and see the image reflected back that is the same as his/her inner self. Everyone deserves this dignity and right. Everyone deserves our understanding and compassion. This is a difficult and painful road, but an honest and courageous one.

Both Mayor Pat Gerard and Commisioner Rodney Woods should be commended for the words they spoke at the meeting. They were the voice of reason and compassion that made me proud of our community. But reason and compassion did not prevail at the meeting. Ignorance, fear and bigotry did.

Kathleen Miller, St. Petersburg

Mind games?

Largo City Manager Steve Stanton appears to be an intelligent person, thus he must certainly realize that his actions would not be embraced, understood or accepted by all. His publicly stated disappointment does not square with that intelligence.

One cannot help but feel that he is "playing with our heads." Perhaps he'd be much better off by taking his severance, smile, and move on, perhaps to Norway.

Kenneth Laporte, Crystal River

Judge not

I am absolutely appalled by the statements made by the supposed man of God, Ron Sanders, pastor of the Lighthouse Baptist Church of Largo. How dare he charge that if Jesus were here, he would dismiss this very capable man from his job! What Bible does this man preach from? It sure isn't mine!

What would Jesus do? He would not judge Steve Stanton, but wrap him in his arms with unconditional love. That's the Jesus I know from the Bible. I have never been so offended by anything in my life! Judge not, lest ye be judged, Pastor Sanders!

Katy Gaudet, Clearwater

A misinformed vote

In a shocking and disturbing move, the Largo city commissioners chose to focus on bigoted stereotypes. Not only is this discriminatory, it is also shortsighted. Is it not plausible that Steve Stanton would have done an even better job for the city than he has done the past 17 years once he is able to live the life that is natural to him? He will certainly be a happier person, and we all know that happy people make better employees.

I am appalled that the commissioners would allow such narrow-mindedness to influence their decision as to whether a person is still qualified and able to continue in a position he has held and excelled in for years.

At the very least, Stanton should be applauded for his bravery and honesty rather than have his trustworthiness and reliability called into question.

This obviously misinformed decision must be repealed!

Laura Hall, Tampa

This isn't progress

I find it ironic to see a picture on the front page of the Times Wednesday showing Steve Stanton, obviously crushed, along with part of the Largo seal proclaiming "City of Progress."

Maybe that's a far forward-reaching statement concerning the city's objectives. It certainly is not true at this time, based on the city's actions Tuesday night.

Someday I hope the city's leaders will look back and say, "What were we thinking?"

Daniel Reiniger, Safety Harbor

[Last modified February 28, 2007, 23:26:19]