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The city manager still wants a three-year contract with Largo, but some commissioners says it's not appropriate.
By ERIC STIRGUS
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 13, 2001
LARGO -- Amid talk by a divided City Commission that he would be fired, City Manager Steven Stanton withdrew from consideration Monday for a similar position in Westminster, Colo.
"During the past few weeks, I never imagined my application for employment in another city would cause such division among members of the City Commission and disrupt the working environment with the city organization," Stanton wrote in a two-page memo to commissioners Monday afternoon.
"Given the fact that I continue to very much enjoy my position as city manager of this community, I have withdrawn my application for the Westminster city manager position," the memo says.
Stanton reiterated that he hopes to discuss a three-year contract and a salary increase with commissioners, some of whom have accused Stanton of using the Westminster position to seek a long-term contract from Largo.
Stanton could not be reached for comment after he released his statement Monday afternoon.
Commissioner Mary Laurance, a Stanton critic who opposes a three-year contract for the city manager's position, said she was still uncomfortable with his salary and contract requests.
"The bottom line is he's still not content with his contract," she said. "It's the same tune."
Mayor Bob Jackson said he was disappointed Stanton pulled out of the running for the Westminster job, although he does not want to see Stanton leave Largo.
"You start a hand and you play it out," Jackson said. "I don't know what he hopes to accomplish by this."
Stanton, 42, flew to Westminster two weeks ago after being named a finalist for the city manager's position, which has a salary nearly $40,000 higher than his pay in Largo.
Shortly before visiting the Colorado city, he met individually with commissioners and asked them for a three-year contract. Commissioners were split on the matter. Stanton withdrew his request, at the behest of Jackson.
When he returned, Stanton repeated his contract request, angering some commissioners, who accused the city manager of using the Westminster opening as leverage for a deal in Largo.
Stanton has denied the charge.
City Commissioner Marty Shelby asked city officials late last week to draft paperwork to fire Stanton, saying debate over a contract will "divide the commission" and make Stanton ineffective.
During Stanton's seven-year tenure as city manager, Largo has built a cultural center, expanded Largo Central Park, implemented a reclaimed-water program and annexed large chunks of land like the ICOT Center and the Crossroads Mall.
But Stanton's status fell last year as some commissioners complained about his communication skills and leadership style.
Still, some commissioners insist Stanton is not only worthy of a three-year contract, but a salary increase as well.
"It's not only in the best interest of the commission, but in the best interest of the city to keep Steve Stanton as city manager," said Commissioner Pat Burke, who asked her colleagues to formally discuss a three-year pact and a pay increase for Stanton at tonight's meeting.
Others have said they are reluctant to offer Stanton a long-term deal because it may make any city manager lax in his or her job duties. Another concern is that future commissioners may be stuck with a city manager they don't like and would be forced to buy out the remainder of such an agreement. Critics of the salary boost think Stanton's $98,600 annual salary is more than adequate.
"He's constantly whining that he's not making enough money," Laurance said of Stanton.
Stanton said in the memo he thought he would get greater support from commissioners as he went through the Westminster interviewing process, adding he has done the same for city employees who sought jobs with higher pay and greater career opportunities.
"I never envisioned that any member of the commission would have questioned my integrity, professionalism or commitment to this community," he said.