Gubernatorial candidate River Bytheway released a statement promising to secure Virginian communities across the state as they face unacceptable levels of crime or disorder due to broken law enforcement and justice systems. “Everyday Virginians of every color, economic background, political persuasion, and faith are dealing with the consequences of a society where our government has failed to understand and secure orderly, safe streets as a serious priority. We see it every day with new thefts, organized retail thefts or carjackings or muggings; horrific murders; disgusting sexual crimes; gross physical and mental abuses targeting vulnerable populations; and more. We also see it in the conditions we have to live in every day to avoid becoming a statistic—locked-up store shelves, parts of town completely off limits to good, law-abiding folks, expensive home security systems, avoidance of and opposition to public transit, and countless more. “Virginians deserve better. We need a Commonwealth that is safe for every law-abiding citizen who genuinely wants to make an honest living, provide for their family, and uplift their community. “That’s why I’m running for Governor. “As Governor, I will overhaul Virginia’s law enforcement and broken justice system. I will work with state legislators to reform our laws that let dangerous criminals back on the streets right after being arrested. I will work to ensure that violent criminals aren’t being set free by activist judges or legal loopholes, only to predictably begin preying on more innocent people. I will boost funding to justice initiatives designed to keep real criminals off the streets, making cities livable for everyone of every background. “This will have many bonus effects aside from directly saving lives. As cities become more livable and safe, people will find the amenities and benefits of city life attractive again, boosting freedom of choice and economic development across the Commonwealth. As public transit becomes a more attractive option, communities will be able to embrace it as a meaningful option for regular commuters, decreasing congestion, providing more affordable transportation choices, and lowering traffic fatalities. Virginia’s safe environment will also encourage more business investment and growth in young families, two huge boosts to our future. “It’s time for us to stop accepting leaders who are not just negligent, but actively proud that they refuse to do their most fundamental duties. My priorities aren’t rooted in partisanship. They aren’t rooted in political games or gotchas. I’m not here to fight for an ideology. I’m running to fight for the good people of Virginia. Join me today in my campaign to make our streets safer and secure a brighter future for everyone in our Commonwealth.”