“I believe we should conduct a hypothetical study regarding whether or not Long Island would be successful if it seceded from New York,” said Brown. “The needs of Long Island and its residents differ greatly from the rest of New York state. We are tired of being the ATM for New York City. Also, environmental conservation of the Long Island Sound, Peconic and Great South Bay, preservation of reliable watersheds, infrastructure and maintenance on the LIRR and LIE require funding and attention that New York state simply cannot provide while it deals with larger financial and public safety issues of its own creation.”