The 5-to-2 vote Tuesday started a three-step process to remove city manager Steve Stanton from the job he's held for 14 years.

Mr. Stanton, 48, confirmed last week that he is a transsexual. With a solid reputation as a forceful and energetic leader, he had hoped to keep his $140,000 (U.S.)-a-year job as he underwent the gender reassignment process.