he city manager of a small Florida town announced his decision to pursue a sex-change operation, citing his life-long desire to become a woman.

Steve Stanton, who has been the city manager of Largo, a 76,000-resident town on the west coast of Florida for 14 years, says his decision to change genders will not affect his ability to perform his job as a civil servant.

The 48-year-old Stanton, who makes $140,000 a year in his position as the city's top official, has the support of other city leaders like Largo Mayor Pat Gerard, who tells the St. Petersburg Times, "He's a dedicated city manager and puts his job first," adding that, "I don't believe he should have to go away and hide out and have to re-emerge. The fact that we do that as a society is pitiful."

Stanton, who is currently married with a son, concedes the transition will not be easy, but nonetheless says he is ready to embrace the challenge.

"This will not be an easy path to travel, but I am excited about the future," Stanton said, adding that, "It is not my nature to run from difficult challenges. I take tremendous pride in being your city manager and a part of our Largo family."

Although, Stanton has not yet set a date for his gender-reassignment surgery, he has been undergoing hormonal therapy, electrolysis to remove body hair and psychological testing to prepare for the operation.

According to the report, Stanton also said he would live as a woman for a year, including changing his first name to Susan, as a final step before surgery.