MIDDLETOWN – City of Middletown Common Councilman Joe Masi, an outspoken critic of Joel Sierra, has requested that Governor Kathy Hochul remove the legislator from office.
Meanwhile, Sierra’s formally designated advocate, former City of Middletown Police Chief Ramon Bethencourt, said he “welcomes” any communication with the Governor’s Office. Bethencourt also said that Sierra will return to legislative meetings by the end of the year.
Sierra, who represents Middletown, has not attended a Legislative meeting since March 30, 2022, but continues to collect his full salary plus benefits. He has been unable to attend sessions since he sustained an injury as a paid Middletown city fireman. Sierra’s four-year term ends on December 31st, 2025.
It may be a long shot that Hochul would intervene in removing Sierra. A spokesperson for the Governor’s office did not immediately return a request seeking comment for this story.
In his letter to Hochul, Alderman Masi referred to “Sierra and his no-show job.” Masi added, in part: “I am reaching out to you directly, appealing for your intervention to remove Legislature Sierra. Your action will ensure the people of Middletown receive the equal and fair representation they deserve, just like every other community. Your prompt action on this matter is greatly appreciated.”
Bethencourt said that Sierra’s return to the legislature is pending his doctor’s approval.
“Joel will be back to the legislature by the end of the year if not sooner,” Bethancourt said. “We welcome any communication with the Governor and we would like communication with the State Attorney General. We welcome the inquiry. Bring it. We would like to tell our side of the story to someone else because there is more going on than meets the eye and there are clear conflict of interest.”
