Tune in and watch Steve LIVE!

Following an impressive line-up of experts and the words of NCLR Senior Couynsel Karen Doering, Stanton speaks to the Largo City Commission before public comment and their subsequent vote on March 23, 2007. Click on the picture here to watch it.

“I have been following the events in Largo and I fully support the efforts of City Manager Steve Stanton to continue in the profession that he has dedicated much of his life. I have found that by opening a community conversation, we provide the opportunity for growth and building a stronger community. I learn each day how far we are from a truly inclusive country. I am hopeful that this experience is one that we will look back on as a pivotal moment for the transgender community. I personally learn a great deal each day and appreciate the struggles that many in our country face []. I applaud Steve Stanton’s courage.”

As I have continued on the journey to build a more inclusive country, I am amazed at the fear that exists in people. We seem to want to return to an era in America that in many ways never existed. The white picket fences and neat little houses disguised a frightening reality for many. Sadly, many don’t want to sit at the table and discuss these very real issues. While the Steve Stanton case could have been an opportunity for community growth and maturity, it was seized upon by community fear.”

“I have a very real belief that community is the answer and that the Steve Stanton case is a signpost along the road to greater understanding. I trust that this is the beginning of a journey and not the end of a career.”

Please visit SteveStanton.Com for more information about Past President Hunt and Steve Stanton’s Fight For Equality

Today, Friday, March 23, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. in Largo, Florida, City Manager Steve Stanton will appear before the Largo City Commission in an Attempt to Keep His Job. Please renew your contact efforts today and tell the Largo City Commission that you support Steve Stanton and that you believe that gender discrimination is wrong. Visit this link here if you want to know what you can do to help the cause.

Julia Miller, former California mayor speaks out in support of Steve Stanton and calls on Largo leaders to reconsider decision. Miller served on the National League of Cities Human Development Steering Committee and was a Lockheed Martin Employee for 34 years.

NCLR Senior Attorney Karen Doering Arguing to the Largo Commission

Stanton has 9 days to prepare

But his attorney may not be available March 23.

By LORRI HELFAND
Published March 14, 2007

City Commissioners on Tuesday night chose that date for the public hearing because that’s when they’ll all be available.

But his attorney said she might not be.

“They chose to go with the only date we’re not all available,” said Karen Doering.

Stanton, who initially requested a hearing in April, said he wished he had more time to prepare his case, but will make the most of the opportunity.

“I’m still excited about the prospect of being reinstated as city manager,” said Stanton, who did not attend the meeting. “I’ll do the best I can with the cards that have been dealt to me.”

On Feb. 27, commissioners voted 5-2 to place Stanton, 48, who makes $140,234 annually, on paid leave and to begin the process to fire him.

The vote came less than a week after Stanton, Largo’s city manager for 14 years, disclosed that he was undergoing hormone therapy in preparation for gender-reassignment surgery.

Commissioners decided against scheduling the hearing for April 9, when Doering said she would be available. They said they were concerned that day is past the 30-day deadline that the city charter sets for holding the hearing.

Advocacy groups for gay and transgender people have said they plan to help Stanton present his case, but Doering said she must attend an out-of-town conference for litigators on that date.

Doering, senior counsel for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, a legal advocacy group for gay and transgendered people, blamed her dilemma on Commissioner Mary Gray Black, who brought up the concern about the deadline.

“They chose to follow Ms. Black and her irrational fears only based in hysteria,” Doering said. “It is a bit shocking the lack of professional courtesy in scheduling a date as important as this.”

Stanton had requested three hours to present his case. But Black wanted to limit Stanton’s case to an hour.

Commissioner Rodney Woods and other commissioners balked at that suggestion.

“I would hope that he is given the amount of time he feels is necessary to present his case to us,” Woods said.

Once the public hearing takes place, commissioners can vote at any time to make Stanton’s termination official. At least five votes are required to fire Stanton, officials say.

Lorri Helfand can be reached at 445-4155 or lorri@sptimes.com

Visit SaveStanton.com and Click on Store. Or just click HERE. We’ve collected some of the most significant transgender book titles in one place, but let us know if we missed anything and we’ll add it to the library. If you are looking for the T-shirts, messenger bags, etc. you can find them HERE. 50% of all profits will be given in equal shares to NCLR (Stanton’s attorneys) and Equality Florida — the foot soldiers on the ground.

I’m going to wager that the Spam filter words are:

“discrimination”

“transgender”

“integrity”

“Stanton”

“Steve”

“Susan”

“resign”

and

“immediately”

….in addition to the regular sorts of words.

So, I read the City as saying: 1) you can stop emailing us because we are not going to get your emails anyway, and 2) the ones we do get are going to be published and we’re going to reveal any personal detail we can find in it including your address, name, personal information, and everything you write. In case you are daunted, I’ll be posting a directory at SaveStanton, as detailed as I can make it, with all available phone numbers, email addresses and physical mail addresses I can find for everyone in City Hall in case any of you are having trouble reaching the government officials in Largo.

 From the City of Largo website March 11, 2007

State of Florida Government-in-the-Sunshine Law

Effective July 1, 2006, Florida law requires government websites to post the following disclaimer:

E-mail addresses are public records under Florida Law and are not exempt from public-records requirements. If you do not want your e-mail address to be subject to being released pursuant to a public-records request do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by telephone or in writing, via the United States Postal Service.

What does this mean?
The State of Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Law, commonly called the “Sunshine Law”, states that any meeting of two or more members of a public board or commission must be open to the public, reasonable notice of these meetings must be given, and minutes must be taken.

Florida also has very broad public records laws, under which nearly all materials generated by or received by the City of Largo become public record. This includes written correspondence (whether hand-delivered, sent by U.S. Postal Service, or sent by electronic mail) and telephone conversations. When sending correspondence to the City of Largo, please remember that information contained within that correspondence, including any names, physical or mailing addresses, and e-mail addresses, is subject to disclosure under a public records request.

Are there exceptions to the law?
Yes. These exceptions include, but are not limited to, certain discussions over pending litigation and portions of collective bargaining session. Certain personnel information is also considered confidential and is exempt from disclosure, as is certain information regarding crime victims.

How can I learn more?
The State of Florida Attorney General’s website offers additional information on the Government-in-the-Sunshine and public records laws.