{"id":729,"date":"2025-10-24T10:53:55","date_gmt":"2025-10-24T14:53:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/?p=729"},"modified":"2025-11-07T18:42:09","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T23:42:09","slug":"who-stands-for-transparency-oxford-county-votes-on-the-norwich-motion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/kiclei\/who-stands-for-transparency-oxford-county-votes-on-the-norwich-motion\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Stands for Transparency? Oxford County Votes on the Norwich Motion"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the <a href=\"https:\/\/pub-oxfordcounty.escribemeetings.com\/Players\/ISIStandAlonePlayer.aspx?ClientId=oxford&amp;FileName=New%20Encoder_Council%20Meeting%20-%20Oxford%20County_2025-10-08-09-29.mp4\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/pub-oxfordcounty.escribemeetings.com\/Players\/ISIStandAlonePlayer.aspx?ClientId=oxford&amp;FileName=New%20Encoder_Council%20Meeting%20-%20Oxford%20County_2025-10-08-09-29.mp4\">October 8th Oxford County Council meeting<\/a> (timestamp 2:28:40), councillors had a simple choice: support transparency or keep the public in the dark. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/pub-oxfordcounty.escribemeetings.com\/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=12390\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/pub-oxfordcounty.escribemeetings.com\/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=12390\">Township of Norwich had sent a letter<\/a> asking Oxford County to answer a list of straightforward questions about its green initiatives and spending \u2014 the kind of accountability any resident would expect when tax dollars are involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Rather than ignore the issue, Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy proposed an amendment to the motion. Her request was clear: for the sake of transparency and clarification, she asked that County staff prepare a report answering Norwich\u2019s questions publicly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Woodstock Councillor Tait seconded the amendment, saying,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI think we should be completely transparent on these questions. It\u2019s extremely important to the public.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019d think that would be a no-brainer.<br>But instead of supporting open answers, most county councillors voted against it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Each Councillor Voted on the Transparency Amendment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u2705 Voted FOR transparency:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Mayor Deb Gilvesy<\/strong> (Tillsonburg)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Councillor Tait<\/strong> (Woodstock)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mayor Jerry Acchione<\/strong> (Woodstock)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mayor Phil Schaefer<\/strong> (East Zorra\u2013Tavistock)<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u274c Voted AGAINST transparency:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Warden Marcus Ryan<\/strong> (Zorra)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mayor Peterson<\/strong> (Blandford\u2013Blenheim)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mayor Mayberry<\/strong> (South-West Oxford)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Councillor Martin<\/strong> (Woodstock)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Mayor Palmer<\/strong> (Norwich)<br><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Alternate Wilson<\/strong> (for Ingersoll\u2019s Mayor Petrie)<br><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The amendment failed \u2014 <strong>6 to 4.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Warden Ryan Said<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Warden Marcus Ryan opposed the amendment, giving two reasons.<br>First, he said approving Norwich\u2019s request would \u201csend the wrong message\u201d because council had previously denied a similar request from residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He continued:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThis potentially sets a dangerous precedent for councils to call on each other\u2014demand that each other do things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ryan warned against what he called \u201ctit for tatting each other,\u201d and questioned whether councils should be \u201coversighting\u201d one another. He argued that councils must \u201crespect each other\u2019s jurisdiction\u201d and \u201cstay out of each other\u2019s way.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He concluded that Oxford County has worked well by keeping those boundaries clear \u2014 and for that reason, he would not support the transparency amendment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Councillor and Mayor Responses<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Councillor Tait pushed back, saying:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThat was a little extreme, your comments. And I&#8217;d just like to point out quite often that the Upper hasn&#8217;t always respected the Lower\u2026 This is information and there\u2019s dollar amounts attached. And if it\u2019s already public, we&#8217;re not asking something extreme.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mayor Acchione added:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI am going to respectfully disagree with you. I think this is the chance that each of us lower tier municipalities do have\u2026 bring it here to the table and ask for any kind of discussions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both emphasized that this was about openness, not interference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But despite those calls for clarity, transparency lost the vote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What Happened Next<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the amendment failed 6\u20134, Council moved to vote on the original motion \u2014 simply to receive Norwich\u2019s letter as information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sound cut out before the full tally could be heard, but the takeaway was unmistakable: The council voted to merely receive the request from Norwich as information, essentially filing it away. Clearly Oxford County Council is still not ready to open the books or answer basic questions from the public or from its member municipalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It Matters<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This wasn\u2019t about climate politics or jurisdictional turf wars. It was about <strong>accountability<\/strong> \u2014 the right of residents and local councils to know how public money is being spent in the name of climate initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If County leaders are confident in their decisions, then producing a transparent report should be simple. The refusal to do so only fuels doubt and frustration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Take Action: Demand Transparency<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ve said it before \u2014 Oxford residents are paying more than ever and being told less than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you believe in open government and honest answers, now\u2019s the time to speak up. Call or email your mayor and councillor \u2014 ask them where they stand on transparency. Sign the petition calling for 0% tax increase until Oxford council proves to taxpayers that they can exercise real fiscal responsibility.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/kiclei\/transparency-isnt-a-threat-to-good-governance-its-the-foundation-of-it\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"658\">Transparency isn\u2019t a luxury \u2014 it is a duty<\/a>. And Oxford deserves better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-comments\"><h2 id=\"comments\" class=\"wp-block-comments-title\">8 responses to &#8220;Who Stands for Transparency? Oxford County Votes on the Norwich Motion&#8221;<\/h2>\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-comment-template\"><li id=\"comment-70\" class=\"comment even thread-even depth-1\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40px\"><div class=\"wp-block-avatar\"><img alt='Rosemary Rudy Avatar' src='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5d42bf2f9aa7369aacf1bbd01bfccc54fd5a1d141d52ae6391478856ac0fd516?s=40&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/5d42bf2f9aa7369aacf1bbd01bfccc54fd5a1d141d52ae6391478856ac0fd516?s=80&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-40 photo wp-block-avatar__image' height='40' width='40'  style=\"border-radius:20px;\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-comment-author-name has-small-font-size\">Rosemary Rudy<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flex wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px\"><div class=\"wp-block-comment-date has-small-font-size\"><time datetime=\"2025-10-24T11:02:11-04:00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/kiclei\/who-stands-for-transparency-oxford-county-votes-on-the-norwich-motion\/#comment-70\">October 24, 2025<\/a><\/time><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-comment-content\"><p>I am stunned at the outcome of this vote for transparency! First residents&#8217; request was denied, then one from a member township!! How can ANYONE be OK with this?? Pay attention Oxford County residents as to HOW YOUR MAYOR voted! Elections are coming up next year.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-comment-reply-link has-small-font-size\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"comment-reply-link\" href=\"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/kiclei\/who-stands-for-transparency-oxford-county-votes-on-the-norwich-motion\/?replytocom=70#respond\" data-commentid=\"70\" data-postid=\"729\" data-belowelement=\"comment-70\" data-respondelement=\"respond\" data-replyto=\"Reply to Rosemary Rudy\" aria-label=\"Reply to Rosemary Rudy\">Reply<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<ol><li id=\"comment-73\" class=\"comment byuser comment-author-alena odd alt depth-2\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40px\"><div class=\"wp-block-avatar\"><img alt='S4O Team Avatar' src='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c272b60f7881ed65a452c9405e10b4ae73fe7ae0e8126e2b4b4dffe928b81411?s=40&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c272b60f7881ed65a452c9405e10b4ae73fe7ae0e8126e2b4b4dffe928b81411?s=80&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-40 photo wp-block-avatar__image' height='40' width='40'  style=\"border-radius:20px;\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-comment-author-name has-small-font-size\">S4O Team<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flex wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px\"><div class=\"wp-block-comment-date has-small-font-size\"><time datetime=\"2025-10-26T00:05:14-04:00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/kiclei\/who-stands-for-transparency-oxford-county-votes-on-the-norwich-motion\/#comment-73\">October 26, 2025<\/a><\/time><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-comment-content\"><p>We couldn\u2019t agree more! The vote on transparency is indeed shocking, and dismissing resident and township requests is a major red flag. Oxford County residents need to pay attention to how their mayor or councillor voted. Let\u2019s hold our leaders accountable! With elections coming up, it\u2019s time to demand the transparency we deserve. Stand4Oxford stands with you in advocating for meaningful change!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-comment-reply-link has-small-font-size\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"comment-reply-link\" href=\"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/kiclei\/who-stands-for-transparency-oxford-county-votes-on-the-norwich-motion\/?replytocom=73#respond\" data-commentid=\"73\" data-postid=\"729\" data-belowelement=\"comment-73\" data-respondelement=\"respond\" data-replyto=\"Reply to S4O Team\" aria-label=\"Reply to S4O Team\">Reply<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><\/ol><\/li><li id=\"comment-71\" class=\"comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40px\"><div class=\"wp-block-avatar\"><img alt='Gloria Scott Avatar' src='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/96707580af4f204e8188b419bf8145252e63fe016f9b057d13c2e032677e6051?s=40&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/96707580af4f204e8188b419bf8145252e63fe016f9b057d13c2e032677e6051?s=80&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-40 photo wp-block-avatar__image' height='40' width='40'  style=\"border-radius:20px;\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-comment-author-name has-small-font-size\">Gloria Scott<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flex wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px\"><div class=\"wp-block-comment-date has-small-font-size\"><time datetime=\"2025-10-25T07:48:30-04:00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/kiclei\/who-stands-for-transparency-oxford-county-votes-on-the-norwich-motion\/#comment-71\">October 25, 2025<\/a><\/time><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-comment-content\"><p>I find it interesting that the issue of disclosure was denied.<br \/>\nWhat is there to be hidden?<br \/>\nIs there something they \u201cnay\u201d voters are afraid to disclose?<br \/>\nNorwich Township Mayor Palmer..shame on you! Thought you were voted in to represent our township!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-comment-reply-link has-small-font-size\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"comment-reply-link\" href=\"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/kiclei\/who-stands-for-transparency-oxford-county-votes-on-the-norwich-motion\/?replytocom=71#respond\" data-commentid=\"71\" data-postid=\"729\" data-belowelement=\"comment-71\" data-respondelement=\"respond\" data-replyto=\"Reply to Gloria Scott\" aria-label=\"Reply to Gloria Scott\">Reply<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<ol><li id=\"comment-74\" class=\"comment byuser comment-author-lina bypostauthor odd alt depth-2\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40px\"><div class=\"wp-block-avatar\"><img alt='Stand4Oxford Editorial Team Avatar' src='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/14e865be5cfe8263313c16f1a756e04f5e232f8adb6db39b2020af3829f61f33?s=40&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/14e865be5cfe8263313c16f1a756e04f5e232f8adb6db39b2020af3829f61f33?s=80&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-40 photo wp-block-avatar__image' height='40' width='40'  style=\"border-radius:20px;\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-comment-author-name has-small-font-size\">Stand4Oxford Editorial Team<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flex wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px\"><div class=\"wp-block-comment-date has-small-font-size\"><time datetime=\"2025-10-27T13:38:19-04:00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/kiclei\/who-stands-for-transparency-oxford-county-votes-on-the-norwich-motion\/#comment-74\">October 27, 2025<\/a><\/time><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-comment-content\"><p>We share your concerns. The denial of disclosure raises serious questions about what might be hidden from our community. Transparency is vital for good governance, and without it, trust erodes. Mayor Palmer\u2019s decision is particularly disappointing, especially since the request for disclosure came from his own council. While the vote\u2019s outcome is disheartening, we must not give up. Let\u2019s stand together and continue advocating for a transparent and accountable local government!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-comment-reply-link has-small-font-size\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"comment-reply-link\" href=\"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/kiclei\/who-stands-for-transparency-oxford-county-votes-on-the-norwich-motion\/?replytocom=74#respond\" data-commentid=\"74\" data-postid=\"729\" data-belowelement=\"comment-74\" data-respondelement=\"respond\" data-replyto=\"Reply to Stand4Oxford Editorial Team\" aria-label=\"Reply to Stand4Oxford Editorial Team\">Reply<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><\/ol><\/li><li id=\"comment-82\" class=\"comment even thread-even depth-1\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40px\"><div class=\"wp-block-avatar\"><img alt='P Burrell Avatar' src='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6bbca7fe31cd4d046f4533dacc0d2b4bca02d9859d7690cd90568dd06b057875?s=40&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6bbca7fe31cd4d046f4533dacc0d2b4bca02d9859d7690cd90568dd06b057875?s=80&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-40 photo wp-block-avatar__image' height='40' width='40'  style=\"border-radius:20px;\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-comment-author-name has-small-font-size\">P Burrell<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flex wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px\"><div class=\"wp-block-comment-date has-small-font-size\"><time datetime=\"2025-11-03T16:25:29-05:00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/kiclei\/who-stands-for-transparency-oxford-county-votes-on-the-norwich-motion\/#comment-82\">November 3, 2025<\/a><\/time><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-comment-content\"><p>As a property tax payer in Woodstock I am concerned that some of the current members on county and city council are out of touch with the current economic situation both local and country. I&#8217;m not sure if all the council members are home owners or renters but it&#8217;s time that these individuals understand the financial pressure their decisions have on people. I refer to home owners and renters differently because those who rent may not be feeling the increases to property tax increases because their rent is governed by the Provincial government at approx. 2.5% whereas home owners are feeling the full brunt of the property tax increase of 10% or more. Council members need to be reminded that the money spent is not their money but rather tax payers and they need to be more fiscally responsible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-comment-reply-link has-small-font-size\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"comment-reply-link\" href=\"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/kiclei\/who-stands-for-transparency-oxford-county-votes-on-the-norwich-motion\/?replytocom=82#respond\" data-commentid=\"82\" data-postid=\"729\" data-belowelement=\"comment-82\" data-respondelement=\"respond\" data-replyto=\"Reply to P Burrell\" aria-label=\"Reply to P Burrell\">Reply<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<ol><li id=\"comment-86\" class=\"comment byuser comment-author-lina bypostauthor odd alt depth-2\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40px\"><div class=\"wp-block-avatar\"><img alt='Stand4Oxford Editorial Team Avatar' src='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/14e865be5cfe8263313c16f1a756e04f5e232f8adb6db39b2020af3829f61f33?s=40&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/14e865be5cfe8263313c16f1a756e04f5e232f8adb6db39b2020af3829f61f33?s=80&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-40 photo wp-block-avatar__image' height='40' width='40'  style=\"border-radius:20px;\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-comment-author-name has-small-font-size\">Stand4Oxford Editorial Team<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flex wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px\"><div class=\"wp-block-comment-date has-small-font-size\"><time datetime=\"2025-11-07T12:34:00-05:00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/kiclei\/who-stands-for-transparency-oxford-county-votes-on-the-norwich-motion\/#comment-86\">November 7, 2025<\/a><\/time><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-comment-content\"><p>You\u2019ve summed up what a lot of residents are feeling right now. Many homeowners are struggling with steep tax increases, while council seems disconnected from how those costs impact daily life.<br \/>\nIt\u2019s a reminder that taxpayer money isn\u2019t council\u2019s to spend freely \u2014 it comes from hard-working residents who expect responsible decisions and clear priorities. At Stand4Oxford, we\u2019ll keep pushing for transparency, accountability, and a stronger focus on affordability in every budget discussion.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-comment-reply-link has-small-font-size\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"comment-reply-link\" href=\"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/kiclei\/who-stands-for-transparency-oxford-county-votes-on-the-norwich-motion\/?replytocom=86#respond\" data-commentid=\"86\" data-postid=\"729\" data-belowelement=\"comment-86\" data-respondelement=\"respond\" data-replyto=\"Reply to Stand4Oxford Editorial Team\" aria-label=\"Reply to Stand4Oxford Editorial Team\">Reply<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><\/ol><\/li><li id=\"comment-88\" class=\"comment even thread-odd thread-alt depth-1\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40px\"><div class=\"wp-block-avatar\"><img alt='Heather Marie Avatar' src='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ee9d0796c23bce4a564ffc312a84b13cf5d1fe8385d6407113959115cda9ef48?s=40&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ee9d0796c23bce4a564ffc312a84b13cf5d1fe8385d6407113959115cda9ef48?s=80&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-40 photo wp-block-avatar__image' height='40' width='40'  style=\"border-radius:20px;\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-comment-author-name has-small-font-size\">Heather Marie<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flex wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px\"><div class=\"wp-block-comment-date has-small-font-size\"><time datetime=\"2025-11-07T13:54:32-05:00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/kiclei\/who-stands-for-transparency-oxford-county-votes-on-the-norwich-motion\/#comment-88\">November 7, 2025<\/a><\/time><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-comment-content\"><p>Transparency,  honesty, accountability , responsibility equal intergrity&#8230;none of these things should require a vote&#8230;it&#8217;s ridiculous and underhanded and makes one wonder nefarious and corrupt things.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-comment-reply-link has-small-font-size\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"comment-reply-link\" href=\"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/kiclei\/who-stands-for-transparency-oxford-county-votes-on-the-norwich-motion\/?replytocom=88#respond\" data-commentid=\"88\" data-postid=\"729\" data-belowelement=\"comment-88\" data-respondelement=\"respond\" data-replyto=\"Reply to Heather Marie\" aria-label=\"Reply to Heather Marie\">Reply<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<ol><li id=\"comment-91\" class=\"comment byuser comment-author-lina bypostauthor odd alt depth-2\">\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:40px\"><div class=\"wp-block-avatar\"><img alt='Stand4Oxford Editorial Team Avatar' src='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/14e865be5cfe8263313c16f1a756e04f5e232f8adb6db39b2020af3829f61f33?s=40&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g' srcset='https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/14e865be5cfe8263313c16f1a756e04f5e232f8adb6db39b2020af3829f61f33?s=80&#038;d=mm&#038;r=g 2x' class='avatar avatar-40 photo wp-block-avatar__image' height='40' width='40'  style=\"border-radius:20px;\"\/><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-comment-author-name has-small-font-size\">Stand4Oxford Editorial Team<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flex wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px\"><div class=\"wp-block-comment-date has-small-font-size\"><time datetime=\"2025-11-13T11:55:16-05:00\"><a href=\"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/kiclei\/who-stands-for-transparency-oxford-county-votes-on-the-norwich-motion\/#comment-91\">November 13, 2025<\/a><\/time><\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-comment-content\"><p>Agreed. If council has to vote on whether to be transparent, something\u2019s gone wrong.  Stand4Oxford will keep pushing for open, responsible leadership our community can trust.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-comment-reply-link has-small-font-size\"><a rel=\"nofollow\" class=\"comment-reply-link\" href=\"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/kiclei\/who-stands-for-transparency-oxford-county-votes-on-the-norwich-motion\/?replytocom=91#respond\" data-commentid=\"91\" data-postid=\"729\" data-belowelement=\"comment-91\" data-respondelement=\"respond\" data-replyto=\"Reply to Stand4Oxford Editorial Team\" aria-label=\"Reply to Stand4Oxford Editorial Team\">Reply<\/a><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/li><\/ol><\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n\t<div id=\"respond\" class=\"comment-respond wp-block-post-comments-form\">\n\t\t<h3 id=\"reply-title\" class=\"comment-reply-title\">Leave a Reply <small><a rel=\"nofollow\" id=\"cancel-comment-reply-link\" href=\"\/landing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/729#respond\" style=\"display:none;\">Cancel reply<\/a><\/small><\/h3><form action=\"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/wp-comments-post.php\" method=\"post\" id=\"commentform\" class=\"comment-form\"><p class=\"comment-notes\"><span id=\"email-notes\">Your email address will not be published.<\/span> <span class=\"required-field-message\">Required fields are marked <span class=\"required\">*<\/span><\/span><\/p><p class=\"comment-form-comment\"><label for=\"comment\">Comment <span class=\"required\">*<\/span><\/label> <textarea id=\"comment\" name=\"comment\" cols=\"45\" rows=\"8\" maxlength=\"65525\" required><\/textarea><\/p><p class=\"comment-form-author\"><label for=\"author\">Name <span class=\"required\">*<\/span><\/label> <input id=\"author\" name=\"author\" type=\"text\" value=\"\" size=\"30\" maxlength=\"245\" autocomplete=\"name\" required \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"comment-form-email\"><label for=\"email\">Email <span class=\"required\">*<\/span><\/label> <input id=\"email\" name=\"email\" type=\"email\" value=\"\" size=\"30\" maxlength=\"100\" aria-describedby=\"email-notes\" autocomplete=\"email\" required \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"comment-form-url\"><label for=\"url\">Website<\/label> <input id=\"url\" name=\"url\" type=\"url\" value=\"\" size=\"30\" maxlength=\"200\" autocomplete=\"url\" \/><\/p>\n<p class=\"comment-form-cookies-consent\"><input id=\"wp-comment-cookies-consent\" name=\"wp-comment-cookies-consent\" type=\"checkbox\" value=\"yes\" \/> <label for=\"wp-comment-cookies-consent\">Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.<\/label><\/p>\n<p class=\"comment-subscription-form\"><input type=\"checkbox\" name=\"subscribe_comments\" id=\"subscribe_comments\" value=\"subscribe\" style=\"width: auto; -moz-appearance: checkbox; -webkit-appearance: checkbox;\" \/> <label class=\"subscribe-label\" id=\"subscribe-label\" for=\"subscribe_comments\">Notify me of follow-up comments by email.<\/label><\/p><p class=\"comment-subscription-form\"><input type=\"checkbox\" name=\"subscribe_blog\" id=\"subscribe_blog\" value=\"subscribe\" style=\"width: auto; -moz-appearance: checkbox; -webkit-appearance: checkbox;\" \/> <label class=\"subscribe-label\" id=\"subscribe-blog-label\" for=\"subscribe_blog\">Notify me of new posts by email.<\/label><\/p><p class=\"form-submit\"><input name=\"submit\" type=\"submit\" id=\"submit\" class=\"submit\" value=\"Post Comment\" \/> <input type='hidden' name='comment_post_ID' value='729' id='comment_post_ID' \/>\n<input type='hidden' name='comment_parent' id='comment_parent' value='0' \/>\n<\/p><p style=\"display: none;\"><input type=\"hidden\" id=\"akismet_comment_nonce\" name=\"akismet_comment_nonce\" value=\"c64bd82091\" \/><\/p><p style=\"display: none !important;\" class=\"akismet-fields-container\" data-prefix=\"ak_\"><label>&#916;<textarea name=\"ak_hp_textarea\" cols=\"45\" rows=\"8\" maxlength=\"100\"><\/textarea><\/label><input type=\"hidden\" id=\"ak_js_1\" name=\"ak_js\" value=\"31\"\/><script>\ndocument.getElementById( \"ak_js_1\" ).setAttribute( \"value\", ( new Date() ).getTime() );\n<\/script>\n<\/p><\/form>\t<\/div><!-- #respond -->\n\t<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>At the October 8th Oxford County Council meeting (timestamp 2:28:40), councillors had a simple choice: support transparency or keep the public in the dark. The Township of Norwich had sent a letter asking Oxford County to answer a list of straightforward questions about its green initiatives and spending \u2014 the kind of accountability any resident&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":731,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[12,3,13],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-729","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-delegations","category-kiclei","category-local-watch"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Oxford-Council-Denies-Accountability-cropped.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/729","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=729"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/729\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":767,"href":"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/729\/revisions\/767"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/731"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=729"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=729"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/stand4oxford.ca\/landing\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=729"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}