19. Steve Bellone

Where would Suffolk County be without Steve Bellone’s leadership? The incumbent Democrat has weathered all sorts of storms, both literally and figuratively, from his high-rise office at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge. His fellow Democrats have increased their hold over the county legislature, and his adversaries seem to be on the losing end, at least for now. Recently he signed legislation adopting a much-needed new comprehensive master plan for the county, the first one in 44 years, which will go a long way to establishing the goals for the environment, development and transportation throughout 2035. Since he’s term-limited, Bellone won’t be at the helm, but the groundwork he lays down now will certainly influence what the future of the Island will look like. Bellone won re-election handily in 2015, and continues to fight for the best interests of all Suffolk County residents, whether that’s helping to foster economic development, increase affordable housing, ensure clean drinking water for generations to come, or balance the budget. He completed the inaugural Suffolk County Marathon in four hours, 42 minutes and 51 seconds—enabling him to tell supporters he quite literally saves time, and money!