Jim Tolson – A New Start for Dunfermline!
It’s been a busy and enjoyable few months since the Scottish Parliamentary elections in May 2007 - sorting out my constituency and parliamentary offices, making speeches in the debating chamber and taking part in committee meetings to name but a few of the many tasks. Starting as a new MSP is a steep learning curve but very helpful colleagues and parliamentary staff are always at hand to answer questions.
During the summer recess, I have been conducting my first ‘summer tour’ around the constituency concentrating this year on small to medium sized businesses in industrial estates. I have enjoyed speaking to many people and finding out about issues which concern them. The big issue concerning many local businesses is the lack of land available for them to build their own purpose-built facilities and often providing more jobs.
Since being elected, I have also been conducting regular surgeries across the constituency in a wide range of meeting places. We have had many visits from constituents at the surgeries covering a variety of issues ranging from housing to health. If you would like to speak to me at one of the surgeries, please come along on any of the dates advertised, no appointment is necessary. Otherwise I can be contacted either at the Lib Dem constituency office I share with Willie Rennie MP (01383 841700) or the parliamentary office (0131 348 6338). The surgery dates are advised throughout the constituency, in the constituency office or check the link above.
In the parliament I have been given responsibility as Shadow Minister for Communities and Sport as part of the Lib Dem Shadow Ministerial team. I have been attending a number of meetings in the last few months with representatives of housing and sporting organisations.
The new Scottish Parliamentary term is starting and should prove to be very busy with issues such as a new Forth Crossing, affordable housing and local government finance to name but a few on the agenda.
I will continue to work hard on behalf of my constituents in the coming months and years. If you have any queries or problems which you think I can help you with, please do not hesitate to contact me.
With kindest regards,
