Once again, we’ve seen why standing up for our community takes courage. Mayor Jerry Acchione recently brought forward a motion (35:43 – 57:00 timestamp) to reduce bag tag fees from $3 to $1, effective January 1, 2027—a move aimed at relieving financial pressure on families. With rising costs and new programs that reduce landfill use, asking residents to pay more for less simply isn’t fair. Mayor Acchione understands what many of us feel every day: life in Oxford is expensive, and council should be looking out for us—not making things harder.
Councillor Deb Tait supported this common-sense motion, joining in the effort to put residents first.
Unfortunately, Warden Marcus Ryan ruled the motion “out of order”, preventing debate. By doing so, he effectively decreed that discussion could not happen, even though Mayor Acchione’s motion was forward-looking and not a reconsideration of the previous fee increase. Oxford families shouldn’t be caught in the middle of procedural technicalities, and councillors who stand for residents should not have their efforts blocked.
We at Stand4Oxford recognize and thank the councillors who put residents first, even when it isn’t easy. Your courage, your commitment, and your willingness to speak up for fairness do not go unnoticed.
To our community: let your voices be heard. Encourage councillors who fight for residents, and demand that motions which benefit our community are allowed full debate. Oxford deserves governance that works for us—not against us, and that listens to those who are feeling the pinch of rising costs.
Thank you, Mayor Acchione, Councillor Tait, and others who stand for residents. We see you, we support you, and we stand with you.
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