Word on the street

What do you say about a Lansing casino?

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If you haven’t heard yet, there was some big development news out of the city this week having to do with a casino, thousands of jobs and four-year college scholarships for Lansing School District students.

While the proposal, which would be a partnership between the city and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, faces some legal hurdles, city officials and some residents are nonetheless excited about the prospect. Others, including another Native American tribe, not so much. For more on the proposal, see page 9.

City Pulse interviewed nine individuals in downtown Lansing Monday to get their reaction to the city’s announcement of bringing a tribally owned and operated casino downtown. Here’s what they had to say.

(Compiled by City Pulse interns Allison M. Berryman and Adam Ilenich.)

Brittany Kintigh

Lansing

“I think that gambling is fine as recreation. I think it can be positive economic income for the community.

“I think it’s great for the city of Lansing. I have two bachelor’s degrees and I’m getting my master’s and I can’t find a job in Lansing. I think it’s great for the flooded market.

“I think it sounds fun, I’d go and check it out and hang out. There’s not a ton of different types of things to do in Lansing and it’d be a different, fun thing to do on a Friday night. I think it’s cool.”

(Kintigh asked to not have her photo taken.)

Sara Spielman

Lansing

“I’m not a gambler, but if it’s a major employer then it’s a positive thing. If it’s going to create job openings, then it’s a good thing for the city of Lansing.”

Nicole Karklin

Eaton Rapids

“I don’t see a problem with it. Obviously it’s good for the city.”

Bob Wood

Bath

“I already think we have enough casinos in Michigan.”


Ashley Heisler

Connecticut

“Twenty-two casinos in Michigan is already enough, and I don’t even live here. And I think it’s a horrible location, too.”

Abner Giles

Lansing

“I don’t think it’s a good idea. They will only bring more trouble to the city. People will get addicted to gambling, lose their money and then eventually rely on the city for help. It wouldn’t do the city much good.”


Katie Johns

Lansing

“I’m not morally opposed, if it is supposed to bring jobs to Lansing. I think it will be a beneficial, economic development.”

Michelle Walter

Lansing

“I know a lot of people who go to Mt. Pleasant and Battle Creek to go to the casinos. I think it’s good for the city now that they can spend their money in Lansing now.

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