Following his first one-hundred days as the Member of the Senedd for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Samuel Kurtz MS takes a look back at his short time in the Welsh Parliament.
Speaking on the subject, Kurtz said: “My first one-hundred days as your Senedd Member have completely flown by. During this time, I’ve met with local residents, businesses and charities to hear about their concerns and how I can raise them in the Senedd.”
“One of the first issues I raised was brought to my attention by the Governors of Cosheston VC School. Following a meeting with their dedicated staff members, I raised their concerns directly with the First Minister for Wales and called on Pembrokeshire County Council to utilise the Welsh Government’s 21st Century Schools Programme funding pot."
And following the harrowing scenes during Denmark’s Euro 2021 match with Finland, where Danish footballer Christian Eriksen had to be given CPR on the pitch, Kurtz launched a cross-party bid that called on the Welsh Government to work with the third sector, governing bodies and sport clubs to increase the availability of defibrillators at all sport grounds throughout Wales.
Speaking on the importance of this, Samuel said: “Sports has and continues to play such an important role in my life, both on and off the pitch – as it does for so many.”
“That’s why it is desperately important that sports facilities across Wales are kitted out with the equipment needed to save a person’s life should they go into cardiac arrest.
“Over the last three months, I’ve met with the British Heart Foundation and other charities to see what else can be done to further this cause. It’s vital that the Welsh Government take the necessary steps to safeguard the health of our sportsmen and women.”
As one of several Senedd Members that hail from farming communities, another issue that Samuel has raised during his short time in the Senedd, is that of Nitrate-Vulnerable Zones (NVZs).
Samuel said: “Every week, I’m contacted by farmers who are consistently disadvantaged by the policies of Welsh Government, whether that be the unfair, ill-advised and un-just NVZ policies or their inability to tackle the bovine Tuberculosis pandemic.”
“From day one, I’ve made it my priority to champion the concerns of the farming and rural community. The Welsh Government must re-evaluate their approach and change tack.
“Our farming community deserves thanks for feeding the nation, and as a proud farmer’s son, you can be certain I will stand up for our important industry.”
Another notable priority of Mr Kurtz’s has been ensuring that Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Talking about this priority, Samuel said: “Over the last eighteen months, I’ve seen our community pull together like I’ve never seen before.”
“It’s only because local residents have followed the advice, received the COVID-19 vaccine when it was their turn, that we’re able to lift restrictions and take one step closer to normality. However, this is our opportunity to build back better in a fairer and more environmentally friendly way.
“That means investing in the local economy, creating more jobs – especially green jobs, and developing greater opportunities for those in Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire.
“There’s much to be done, but ahead of us is an opportunity not seen before and the Welsh Government, working together with the UK Government, must grasp it.”
Samuel finished: “It is the honour of a lifetime to serve as your Member of the Senedd. Over the next five years, I will continue to stand up for our area and our priorities in Cardiff Bay. If you have a concern or an issue you would like to raise – no matter how big or small – please don’t hesitate to contact me.”
