What’s one of the first things that comes to mind when you think of the city of Jackson?
For many, the answer might well be "The Prison."
We even call it “Jackson Prison”, although its official name is the State Prison of Southern Michigan.
Recently on Stateside we told you about the opening of a new museum right at the prison: the Cell Block 7 Prison Museum gives you a chance to explore a prison block with five-floors and 515 cells.
It hasn’t housed prisoners for seven years, but you will get a real feel for life inside, and for the history of the Southern Michigan Prison.
We wondered how this all strikes the people of Jackson.
Is playing host to a huge prison something they shun or own?
The Mayor of Jackson, Jason Smith, joined Stateside to answer the question.
*Listen to full interview above.