By Rob South, WKAR News
East Lansing, MI – East Lansing, MI (WKAR News) - Local musician Ben Hassenger officially launched his campaign for Mayor of Lansing Thursday.
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 Old Town Jazz Festival.
Hassenger recognizes he's a long-shot in the race: "I mean, regardless of what happens in August at the primary, you know, I want to keep working and I want to keep developing these ideas with people and see what can happen."
Hassenger will face incumbent Mayor Virg Bernero, City Councilmember Carol Wood and Attorney Charles Ford in the August 4 primary.