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McDonnell visits Loudoun to roll out gang prevention plan
If Bob McDonnell becomes governor, gangs beware, said the Republican gubernatorial nominee during a visit to Loudoun May 28.
McDonnell came to Leesburg to announce his strategy for reducing gang violence in the state and specifically Northern Virginia.
His plans focus on a one-two punch to suppress and prevent gang recruitment of youths.
“There has been some growth around the state of gang violence,” McDonnell said, addressing a crowd that included Loudoun Sheriff Steve Simpson and Commonwealth's Attorney Jim Plowman.
“We have seen the presence of gangs in places we never thought,” McDonnell said, referring to the Lansdowne attacks on Loudoun residents William and Cynthia Bennett, which local law enforcement officials believe to have been committed by members of a gang.
“We do not want to have a community where gangs take root,” he said.
McDonnell pointed to the success of a federally funded program used to reduce violent gang crime in Richmond. The program, called GRIP, or Gang Resistance Is Paramount, targets youth recruitment prevention.
Young people join gangs because they don't have support at home, he said. Expanding role-model programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters and school visits by sports stars, celebrities and law enforcement is important, McDonnell said.
McDonnell said recent state budget cuts made by Gov. Tim Kaine (D) have reduced public safety positions by 300.
State Democrats are calling McDonnell's statement a misrepresentation of the facts, saying McDonnell opposed the federal stimulus plan, which included money for local law enforcement. Jared Leopold, spokesman for the Democratic Party of Virginia, said the stimulus package includes $130,000 for Loudoun County law enforcement and another $58,000 for the Town of Leesburg.
McDonnell said the state needs to look at the money it could get.
“Before you ask for any new money, you need to make sure the money you have is being put to good use,” McDonnell said.
As governor, McDonnell said he would also increase the penalties for gang-related crimes and gang recruitment.
He also plans to expand programs in state prisons, where he said gangs thrive despite being behind bars.
McDonnell was joined by U.S. Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10th) during his announcement.
McDonnell was officially named the Republican Party's nominee for governor on May 30. He will face either Terry McAuliffe, Creigh Deeds or Brian Moran in November.
The Democrats will hold their primary June 9.
Contact the reporter at hhobbs@timespapers.com
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