22News questions MGM's CEO

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - MGM Resorts International donated $50,000 to Springfield's South End Community Center.

Without a guaranteed casino, MGM continues to spend money in Springfield.  MGM unveiled it's plan to build a resort style casino in Springfield's South End in August. 

The $50,000 donated Thursday will go a long way to helping out the community center, but this adds to the total amount of money MGM is spending in Springfield.  They've already spent money on billboards, commercials and a $15,000 donation for Springfield's 4th of July celebration.

22News reporter Ryan Walsh asked MGM's CEO. Jim Murran if they've spent any more money in the area.

(Has MGM or any of its entities or LLC's bought any land in Springfield yet or plan too?)

"Well today (Thursday) is about the kids, can we talk about the kids?  I flew in here to meet in this community center and talk about the kids, so we'll be back (to talk about that)", says Murran.

(So has their been any land bought yet?)

"I'm not going to answer, I don't think it's relevant to this right now", says Murran.

22News asked Murran if he feels like MGM is using it's money to influence the city, he told 22News that MGM gives money all over the world even in places where they don't have casinos.