ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Equality Florida Action PAC has announced its endorsement of Michael Smith for Largo City Commission, Seat One. Smith, who would become Largo’s first gay comm issioner,
is running a strong grassroots campaign. He has also been endorsed by the Stonewall Democrats of Pinellas County, the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, the Largo Firefighters Association, and St. Pete councilman Steve Kornell.
Smith’s opponent, Mary Gray Black, has a history of anti-LGBT discrimination. In 2007, with Black leading the charge, the Largo City Commission made national headlines when they voted to fire then-city manager Steve Stanton, when they learned that Stanton was transgender and was planning to transition to Susan Stanton.
Today Stanton has moved on and was welcomed as the City Manager of Lake Worth, Florida.
Smith is a Pinellas County native, born in Largo and is a librarian and appointed by Mayor Gerard to serve on the Largo Historical Preservation Advisory Committee. In addition to his support of LGBT issues, he believes in a common-sense approach to fiscal responsibility and wants to preserve the quality of life in Largo.
While trying to make a decision on which candidate would be best for Seat #1, I find myself frustrated in the battle of sexes. I personally feel that someones preferences “sexually” should not have one thing to do with running the City of Largo. And well. On the other hand, I do not think it should be a topic that a gay or lesbian candidate should throw around while in office. Being a homosexual should have “NOTHING” to do with politics. Whats wrong with this society? FACE THE CHANGES! I personally feel that a gay person tries even harder to gain acceptance. They have an added challenge during life that most of us don’t. I find that gay people can be more understanding and caring in many ways. The ones that I know are all hard working souls that really do care. Now, let’s move onto political views….