Restraining order sought against clerk

The city of Westmorland is seeking a restraining order against City Clerk Sally Traylor in response to an alleged physical altercation that recently took place between her and a female city employee.

As a result of the alleged incident, a temporary restraining order was granted that prohibits Traylor from having any direct or indirect contact with the alleged victim, said Mitch Driskill, city attorney.

The temporary restraining order does not include a socalled “stay away” order that would’ve prevented Traylor from visiting City Hall, where the alleged incident took place a couple weeks ago, Driskill said.

In her capacity as city clerk, Traylor occasionally visits City Hall to conduct business on behalf of the city.

A court hearing is set for Thursday to allow a Superior Court judge to weigh the evidence and rule on the matter. If the restraining order is granted, it would be in place for three years, Driskill said.

Traylor is also the city’s former finance director who was terminated in December.

More recently, she was the subject of a recall petition that had sought to remove her from her elected position as city clerk.

Prior to her termination, Traylor had been an outspoken critic of several council members, alleging two of them had improperly influenced the police chief’s hiring process.

The council members in question have denied any impropriety.