LARGO, Fla. -- The city manager of this town with a population of 76,000 announced Wednesday that he intends to pursue a sex-change operation.

Steve Stanton, who built a solid reputation as a forceful and energetic leader in 14 years as city manager, confirmed his plans Wednesday after he was contacted by a St. Petersburg Times reporter. He said he intended to announce his decision in June so his teenage son could be out of town.

Stanton said he has not yet scheduled the surgery, but is undergoing counseling and hormone replacement therapy in preparation for the operation.

"I want to do this with a sense of dignity and worth," Stanton told the Times. "It's going to take more courage than anything I've ever done."

Stanton, 48, said he plans to keep his $140,000-a-year job as the city's top official. Largo is about 22 miles west of Tampa.

"I'm good at my job," Stanton said. "My gender has nothing to do with my capabilities."

Largo Mayor Pat Gerard said she supports Stanton.

"He's a dedicated city manager and puts his job first," she said. "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 married, said he expects criticism of his decision to go public with his private life, but hopes his example will educate the community about gender reassignment.

"It's not in my nature to flee a challenge," Stanton said. "I can't. I won't."