Steve Stanton Files Appeal

Steve Stanton is appealing the county commissioners' decision to fire him:

LARGO - City Manager Steve Stanton appealed his firing this morning.

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.