Peconic Region Think Tank Launched to Address Critical East End Issues

SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. - July 18, 2025 - PRLog -- Former Candidate for Suffolk County Legislator turned international author, motivational speaker and globally award-winning documentarian, and full-time east end resident, Kevin L. McCrudden has launched The Peconic Region Think Tank.

McCrudden states. "many of the issues that were issues when I ran for office 30 years ago are still issues, and many have gotten worse. Our roads and infrastructure have deteriorated badly. Traffic has become a daily nightmare. Workforce Housing has not been addressed in many locations and the overall quality of life for Peconic Region Residents has gotten worse."

The intent, focus and Mission of the Think Tank is to bring together leaders from a variety of sectors from all 5 East End Towns to address the many issues on the East End that are causing increased stress and anxiety for year-round residents and deteriorating our quality of life.

According to Wikipedia, in 1996 a nonbinding referendum was put on the ballot during the elections that year on forming Peconic County that was approved with 71% of the vote. State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver did not allow the movement to advance, and blocked other movements, fearing a wave of similar bids to split up counties state-wide, in line with Andrew Cuomo's policy of instead reducing the number of counties via mergers.  At the same time Staten Island had been pressing for the reformation of Richmond County, with the two movements coordinating between each other.  In 1997 Peconic County Now sued the state attempting to force through the secession. And, in 2015, New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele championed Peconic separatism, and was dubbed the "Patron Saint of Peconic County" seeking to revive the movement after Silver was arrested during a corruption scandal.

"While the political movement toward the creation of Peconic County may have failed, there is no question that the Peconic Region of Long  Island has very different needs than the rest of Long Island.  I have learned many things over the past 30 years since I ran for political office and have spoken in almost every other state in America. I am not big on wasting people's time. It's too valuable. In fact, one of my audiobook titles is, "Take Action to Make Things Happen," which is exactly what we will do. I look forward to creating a powerful coalition of thought leaders from the east end that can work with governmental agencies" to make positive change for the Peconic Region's residents." said McCrudden.

For those interested in learning more about  The Peconic Region Think Tank, there are now a Facebook Page and LinkedIn Group dedicated to the organization, or email; PeconicRgionThinkTank@gmail.com