Northpinellas: Stanton appeals his firing

Commissioners voted 5-2 to place Stanton on paid leave and begin the firing process a week after Stanton acknowledged he planned to become a woman.

"I'm trying to do what I have to do to be a full person and get my job back," said Stanton, who makes $140,234 annually.

Stanton, 48, who has been Largo's city manager for 14 years, said he plans to request a hearing about 30 days from now. He said he will need the time to put on a thorough presentation, which will take up to three hours and will feature national experts in medicine, psychology and the workplace transition process for transsexuals.

He is receiving help from the National Center for Lesbian Rights, a legal organization that advocates rights for gay and transgender people.

The National Center for Transgender Equality and the American Civil Liberities Union have also offered assistance, he said.

"I think this will certainly give the commission a good basis of information to make an informed decision," Stanton said. "I'm realistic enough to know its going to require an extraordinary step to stop the train going down track with a certain degree of speed and to confront some of the folks back in the commission chambers who will be talking about what Jesus would do."

If an appeal during a public hearing fails, Stanton hasn't said whether he would sue the city, but he doesn't relish the thought.

"I do not feel this is a legal argument," he said. "It's not a matter of hiring an attorney to threaten to sue the city. That is not the argument I want to make."

The city must schedule the public hearing to be held between March 23 and April 9. The date for the hearing will be set at the March 20 regular commission meeting; the city commission has indicated that the hearing will not be held on the same night as a regularly scheduled commission meeting or work session.

The commission may not limit the number of speakers, nor may they place restrictions on who is permitted to speak; however, they may limit the amount of time each speaker is permitted to speak.

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Comments on this article

by Tabitha Amber	03/15/07 05:21 PM
Should not a position such as this be Judged on a persons ability, not what kind of clothes they wear??? If the person in the job does it well what difference does it make what name they choose to use?. Come on people, Mr. Stanton is the same person.

by Jerry	03/13/07 11:08 PM
First of all a person is who they are mentaly and not always the same on the outside. Second The bible says "Judgnot les ye be judged likewise." I have always believed in this and If you are a true Christian you should to.

by Lisa	03/13/07 08:56 AM
A person's gender issues should have absolutely no bearing on how good of a job he/she can do!

by Diana	03/12/07 11:43 PM
Judge not that ye not be judged... Ms Stanton has my support.

by Jillian	03/12/07 09:13 PM
Some of the mean spirited comments below show just how bigoted people can be. Shame on you. Perhaps research somewhere other than the 'Jerry Springer Show' and 'Jay Leno' could help educate the ignorant about GID. This person has done nothing wrong.

by Shirley	03/12/07 07:25 PM
The thing that bothered me most about is, they have stated he did a fine job as a man, but he would not do as well working the same job as a woman. What a slap in the face to all women! I wish Steve/Susan all the the best, we know you should win!

by Jane	03/12/07 05:09 PM
My heart goes out to Ms. Stanton having traveled the path "she" is about to take. I hope the people of Largo will "see the light" and understand that we are not freaks, we do not "choose a lifestyle", we are who we are, just like you.

by Kim	03/12/07 11:58 AM
the surprising thing about all this is where the support has come from. it is about time for the Christians to actually act that way. Bravo

by Brenda	03/11/07 11:22 PM
I for one support Steve/Susan. The only change is the physical appearance. Besides I have a biological son that is in transition and mad because he got kicked out of high school for being different like Steve/Susan. I wish you the best now and in the

by terrell	03/11/07 10:41 PM
Job performance Should be the criterion for discipline or termination not an employee's personal lifestyle. I understand that Mr Stanton's most recent job performance reviews were positive. There is a disconnect here.

by alexis	03/10/07 08:43 AM
this is blatant discrimination.A persons gender has nothing to do with there abilty to perform there job.

by charles	03/08/07 11:20 PM
say it sort and simple... hes a freak and get rid of him....

by Drew Finn	03/08/07 10:36 PM
Ah here we go with the next episode - cue the "Benny Hill Song" and start the meeeting !! Let's all consider what Jesus would do - perhaps change his name to Jessica?? This will be rich, get Jay Leno and Jerry Springer on the phone !!!

by Haley	03/08/07 10:35 PM
It seems that Arkansas is not the only place where the fearfully transphobic roam. Ms Stanton's employment is being decided not on her performance but on the fact that she is a transwoman. An insult to transgender and natal women.

by Helen	03/08/07 10:22 PM
It amazes me for anyone to stand in judgment of Mr. Stanton. If he received poor reviews and meager raises, I would say fire him immediately. But that WASN'T the case. It was NOT his choice for it to come out this way. The ST. PETE TIMES did it.

by Thomas	03/08/07 10:05 PM
The case has inspired a wikipedia article at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Stanton. The worlds eyes seem to be on Largo.

by Susan	03/08/07 09:12 PM
A person should be judged on their ability to do the job, not on their age, sex, color, etc. . . .

by Ron	03/08/07 08:55 PM
I saw the interview of Stanton on CNN Headline news this evenging. I thought he was honest and handled himself in a professional manner. His forthrightness was a breath of fresh air. It seems to me that the city has a quality person in Stanton.

by Shannon	03/08/07 08:14 PM
I don't think him changing his sex will affect his ability to do his job. They need to re-think his firing. This has to do with discrimination not the job. They should be ashamed of themselves as so called "leaders" who stand for "equality".

by jim barnes	03/08/07 07:47 PM
unbelieveable stanton would so selfishly put the citizens of Largo who overwhelmingly wanted him removed thru this agony I only hope the commission stands up for the will of the people and no one votes opposite of thier previous vote. God Help Us

by Melinda	03/08/07 06:18 PM
I know my message of support won't get posted but I felt compelled to type it anyway: WE SUPPORT YOU, SUSAN!!!

by Ellen	03/08/07 05:17 PM
Good luck Stanton. Hope you sue and win big time.

by Eric	03/08/07 05:09 PM
It is my hope that many of the posters would really take the time to complete a moral inventory upon themselves. What is the true basis of the fury? It is insane to watch many in a community behave as if it was Salem burning witches! Shame on them.

by Carrie	03/08/07 05:00 PM
Mr. Stanton has handled this situation with such grace. People need to realize his job status should be based on his performance alone - not a personal situation. Religious beliefs should not be applied here!

by KATHY	03/08/07 04:57 PM
WERE YOU PEOPLE WATCHING THE SAME COMMISSION MEETING I WAS? HE WAS TERMINATED BECAUSE THEY FINALLY REALIZED HOW SNEAKY HE REALLY IS. HE HAS SAID HE SETS POLICY, HE DOESN'T THE COMMISSION DOES AND HE HAS STAFF TWIST TO MAKE IT WHAT HE WANTS.

by Jim	03/08/07 04:57 PM
Steve has broken no laws.He has done an excellent job over the years. How can the city of Largo fire him because of his wardrobe. It's none of their business what he is doing medically. It's the same as firing a person that admits to being homosexual

by Samantha	03/08/07 04:46 PM
Transgender- and American- history in the making. Thank you for shouldering this burden.

by Gladys	03/08/07 04:40 PM
In his actions toward employees, Mr. Stanton never exhibited the compassion and respect for diversity that he now seeks from others. He is not a victim, but is properly an object of pity.

by Zack	03/08/07 04:29 PM
Past performance does not excuse present actions. The BTK killer was a great government employee until he was caught. When actions or signs of mental instabilty are known then dismissal is required.

by Sam	03/08/07 04:22 PM
Do your homework. Stanton begged for his raise because it was not in line with the average salary for City Managers around the state. He was given it on that basis. If they knew his mental issues, he would have not got it!

by Allison	03/08/07 04:08 PM
Good for Stanton. If s/he needs any support, count me in. I wish that their family has the best support because they are facing a difficult road.

by Daniel	03/08/07 04:02 PM
Stanton has fired others with good work histories for far less "distracting" activites. I don't care what his gender is - if he had been more supportive of his employees who made "life decisions" I would be more supportive of him. However . . .

by mike	03/08/07 03:58 PM
what if he said he would like to be turned into a unicorn? would you still support him and think he was sane?

by mike	03/08/07 03:50 PM
With the mental issues discovered, it is obvious he should not be representing others. Lets take a vote. I'm sure 90% of the Largo community would kick him out. It is about the people, the people would say no. Get lost FREAK! Dont waist tax$ in court

by BOOKER	03/08/07 03:48 PM
the commission act has if it's a sinecure system,you no like a church pays a salary but do not cure or care of souls, most of the residents think the same way.these people have no respect for mr.STANTON,or his family who has not said a word.

Stanton appeals his firing

Early Edition: The city of Largo began the firing process a week after Stanton acknowledged he planned to become a woman.