By Rob South, WKAR News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkar/local-wkar-841404.mp3
Lansing, MI – Ben Hassenger officially kicked off his mayoral bid in the backroom of an Old-Town record store.
A group of his friends held up hand-made signs in support. They were surrounded by dusty bins full of vinyl LP's decades older than their candidate. Hassenger wants the city to reach out to young people like him and focus more energy on creating a vibrant arts community.
He says as Mayor he would focus attention building up popular festivals like the Common Ground Music Festival and the Jazz Festival.
Hassenger recognizes he's a long-shot in the race. But he says he'll continue to work on strengthening Lansing's music and arts community.
Hassenger will face incumbent Mayor Virg Bernero, City Councilmember Carol Wood and Attorney Charles Ford in the August fourth Primary.