GOSHEN – Orange County Legislator Joel Sierra, who represents the majority of the City of Middletown, has missed 113 meetings since his new term began over 760 days ago.
He claims, through his appointed “advocate” that he is unable to attend because of an injury he sustained as a paid firefighter in Middletown. Sierra, himself, has not returned phone calls for comment.
Middletown Alderman Joe Masi took the issue directly to the county legislature calling on the other 20 members to have him removed.
“If he doesn’t immediately man-up and resign, I ask you to please contact the governor’s office to seek his removal using a section of the public officers’ law so that the people of Middletown will have the representation that they deserve,” he told lawmakers at their Thursday session.
County Legislature Chairwoman Katie Bonelli said there is no provision to remove Sierra, however if she was in his position, she would step down from office.
Masi also urged the county legislature to adopt a county charter change preventing no-show elected officials from remaining in office. He also suggested all municipalities consider similar action.
