21. Steve Bellone

Not often do you associate Democrats with policies intended to reduce the size of government to save already overburdened taxpayers from waste. Perhaps that’s why Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone cruised to victory two years ago. Or it could be his measures to improve water quality in Suffolk County by championing programs to reduce nitrogen pollution caused by its countless antiquated and leaky septic tanks, and replacing them with onsite wastewater treatment systems. Long Island’s precious waterways and vulnerable aquifers present constant challenges to elected officials, which makes such initiatives that much more important. Bellone has remained committed to adhering to the state’s tax cap and increasing economic development and community revitalization programs throughout the county to keep young people on Long Island.