Think Big: Love Your Neighbor (and city manager too)

The City Commission voted to begin the process of firing a top official less than a week after he announced plans to pursue a sex-change operation. Yet another example of the wretched HATE that still is so pervasive in our world today.

The 5-to-2 vote Tuesday started a three-step process to remove City Manager Steve Stanton from the job he's held for 14 years.

Stanton, 48, confirmed last week that he is a transsexual. With a solid reputation as a forceful and energetic leader, he had hoped to keep his $140,000-a-year job as he underwent the gender reassignment process.

"It's just painful to know seven days ago I was a good guy and now ... I have no integrity," Stanton told the commission. "My challenge here has always been that someday I was going to leave this organization. So I am going to do it with a smile on my face."

Commissioner Mary Gray Black said Stanton's surprise announcement last week "caused stress, turmoil, distraction and work disruption" among other city employees.

"I do not feel he has the integrity, nor the trust, nor the respect, nor the confidence to continue as the city manager of the city of Largo," said Black, who introduced a resolution to fire Stanton on Monday.

Pictured to the right here is one of many supporters that came out in support. This whole mess is just another indication that there is still so much hate in this world, particularly with regard to issues related to gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgendered people.

[source]