Vestal Man Protests New York Casino Proposal

A Broome County resident this week has been holding a quiet one-man demonstration against a plan to allow up to seven new casinos in New York state.

30-year-old Steven Sillick was spotted with four anti-casino signs on Binghamton's Court Street bridge Thursday afternoon.

Sillick, who says he now is known as "Yan," told WNBF News he started his solo protest on Monday. He said he's not affiliated with any organizations opposed to the proposed change in the state Constitution.

Sillick said he believes the plan would amount to government subsidization of job creation. He said New York needs jobs that "create something good" for society.

Sillick said many people who pass by him while he's on the sidewalk in the middle of the bridge have been "very inquisitive and friendly."

The constitutional amendment to clear the way for new Las Vegas-style casinos in New York will be voted on next Tuesday.

Groups supporting the measure have been spending large amounts of money on broadcast advertising and mailings asserting the move could "create 10,000 construction and permanent jobs in Upstate New York."