A Montpelier city employee who supports the creation of a public state bank says she's been chastised by her superiors for speaking out on the issue.
The Times Argus of Barre reports that Planning and Community Development Director Gwendolyn Hallsmith says the city's mayor, John Hollar, went to City Manager William Fraser to complain of Hallsmith's advocacy for a state bank.
Hollar is a Statehouse lobbyist whose clients include Bank of America and Wells Fargo.
Fraser and Hollar say they want to be sure Hallsmith isn't using city time or implying city government is behind her advocacy.
Hallsmith says Hollar is using his influence to try to silence her.
