16. Steve Bellone

No stranger to the Power List (this is his fourth recognition), Bellone has skyrocketed up in the rankings over the past year in no small part as a reflection of his status as a politician with his finger on the pulse of his constituents. Bellone is an innovator, a hands-on public administrator, and nothing short of a bona fide trailblazer regarding the environment. His groundbreaking LI Green Homes Program has paved the way for communities across the United States to become more energy efficient while also reducing harmful greenhouse gases. Wyandanch Rising has also been gaining some traction. But his most ambitious endeavor this year has been his becoming the Suffolk County Democratic Party’s pick for county executive. With a smile reminiscent of Kennedy—and a ever-striving devotion to public service just as intense—win or lose come November, Bellone’s influence and dedication to Suffolk County residents won’t be waning any time soon.