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Jobs trump fears of terrorism in Michigan town

By AP

STANDISH, MI – A number of residents in the Michigan town of Standish say they'd welcome detainees from Guantanamo Bay with open arms to save their biggest employer - a state prison.

The Standish Maximum Correctional Facility is among several in the state scheduled for closure because of budget cuts.

Prison workers and some local officials say keeping the jobs it provides would trump any fears about having suspected terrorists around.

Dave Horn was among several employees holding signs outside the prison Monday in support of keeping it open. He says he's confident the Guantanamo detainees would not escape.

City Manager Michael Moran III says if the prison closes, it would cost the city about 25% of its annual budget. Arenac County's unemployment rate is 17.3%.

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