23. James Carver

When James Carver won his election last year to succeed the venerable Power List Hall of Famer Gary DelaRaba, who retired after 20 years as the PBA president, there were some big shoes to fill. As the county’s largest police union, the Nassau PBA has extraordinary influence in Nassau and beyond. Carver has filled the role like an old pro, having learned from DelaRaba himself after spending 26 years as a street cop and then four as first vice president of the union. He has not only proved himself a worthy adversary for County Executive Suozzi, but also a union leader who is not frivolous with his position of power. Make no mistake about it, the position of union leader is political, and with that role come many risks. Carver has done a great job stepping lightly, protecting his union and keeping Nassau’s cops working hard on the streets. Get used to seeing his name on the Power List.