29. Jerry Laricchiuta

It’s not hard to get people to listen when you’re the president of the largest labor union on LI. Laricchiuta made history three years ago, when he beat an incumbent for the seat by a two-to-one margin. Since then, he has had an entire union behind him when he needs to get things done. He’s been a very visible and vocal defender of his members, testifying before the Legislature to ensure new hires and proper procedure at Nassau County’s troubled Cedar Creek sewage treatment plant in Wantagh. Consequently, he’s also become a bit of a thorn in the side of county management—an indication that he’s doing exactly what people voted him in to do.