Cllr Dr Rodney Berman is the Welsh Liberal Democrat candidate for Cardiff Central.
About Rodney
Rodney has lived in Cardiff for most of his life – first coming here to take up a research role at the university in the early 90s. His home is just off Albany Road and he has represented Penylan on Cardiff Council since 2017.
Currently working in health policy, Rodney has represented the interests of doctors during Covid-19 and provides advice on public health issues. He is passionate about reducing health inequalities.
Tackling the climate emergency is Rodney’s other main policy area of personal interest – and he is delighted to be the Welsh Lib Dem spokesperson on climate change.
He was first elected to the council in 1999 in the Plasnewydd ward which covers the Roath area of the city.
As leader of the council for eight years between 2004 and 2012, he oversaw a massive increase in our recycling rate and the money given to schools. He is proud to have been awarded an OBE for his services to local government and the community in Cardiff in 2013.
On the council, he is the Liberal Democrat spokesperson on both economic development and finance.
He is a keen cyclist and can often be seen running round Roath Park lake.
He is looking forward to once again being able to meet friends for a curry in his favourite eating places in Roath, as well as trying something different as new businesses start to open up.
Policy priorities
Looking to the key policy challenges for the next Senedd, Rodney identifies several priorities where he believes his experience means he can make a useful contribution. He says:
“The Senedd will have a vital role to play in how we move forward and rebuild in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic in a way that is fairer, greener and more caring. Many residents will understandably be worried about what lies ahead and how this will impact on them personally. I will be fighting to ensure we do what is required to deliver a strong economic recovery, but also one which has the environment at its heart. I want us to invest to create jobs in ways that can also contribute to reducing carbon emissions and tackling the climate emergency.
“We also need to recognise the value of creating more sustainable local communities. Many of us have learned to value far more what’s on our doorsteps during lockdown and we must now plan for how we can build on that, so more of us can have access to the facilities we need within a short walk, bus ride or cycle from where we live.
“I also want to see the Senedd do far more to address the poorer health outcomes we see in certain communities that have been highlighted by the impact of Covid-19. We need to address the shocking fact that people born and raised in more deprived parts of Cardiff and Wales might live 10 years less than those in more affluent areas, and we need to tackle the underlying issues which have led to those from black and minority ethnic communities being more susceptible to the coronavirus.”
Local champion
Rodney is committed to listening to residents’ concerns and campaigning on their behalf, building on his track record as a hard-working champion across the area’s communities. He adds:
“As your MS, I would also continue to campaign on key local concerns for Cardiff Central’s different communities. This will include pressing for action to clean up Roath Park lake, fighting for improvements in local bus services, addressing threats to local post offices and banks, fighting to ensure there is sufficient capacity in schools like Cardiff High where children living in parts of the catchment area can’t secure a place at their local school, and helping the community’s voice its concerns against unsuitable development proposals.”
Back Rodney and Demand Better for Cardiff Central
Rodney and the Welsh Liberal Democrats need your support to deliver their positive plan for change, demand better for Cardiff and build a fairer Wales.
