(Largo, FL, March 23, 2007) — Steve Stanton, the long-time City Manager of Largo, Florida, is appealing the City Commission’s decision to begin termination proceedings against him. Stanton filed a written request for a public hearing with the Largo City Commission, which will take place Friday, March 23rd at 6:00 p.m. Despite Stanton’s 17 years of dedicated service to the City of Largo, the City Commission voted 5-2 to begin the legal process of firing Stanton, who informed the Commission that he is transgender after learning that a local newspaper was going to disclose the information to the public. The City Commission is seeking to fire Stanton solely because of his transgender status. Stanton has received strong support from Mayor Pat Gerard, Commissioner Rodney Woods and many City of Largo employees and local residents who do not want to lose a valuable city employee.

Commissioners will cast a final vote at the end of Friday’s meeting.

What: Public hearing for Largo City Manager

When: Friday, March 23, 2007, 6:00 p.m.

Who:

• Steven Stanton, Largo City Manager
• Karen Doering Senior Counsel, National Center for Lesbian Rights
• Dr. Walter Bockting, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota Medical School
• Susan Kimberly, former Deputy Mayor, St. Paul, Minnesota
• Daryl Herrschaft, Director, Human Rights Campaign Workplace Project
• Margaret Stumpp, Chief Investment Officer, Quantitative Investment Management Associates, a subsidiary of Prudential Financial
• City Commissioners, City of Largo

Where: Largo City Hall, 201 Highland Ave, Largo Florida

Section 3.02 of the Largo City Charter spells out the process for terminating the City Manager. After the public hearing, the Commission may either adopt a permanent resolution calling for removal or permit the City Manager to retain his position.

Read more about this case