35. James Morgo

After sitting as the president and CEO of the Long Island Housing Partnership for 16 ½ years, Morgo was handpicked by County Exec Steve Levy to spearhead the development of workforce housing in Suffolk, making the commissioner a hero to some, and the opposite to antidevelopment activists. He’s seen and heard it all when it comes to living on LI, and he’s the gatekeeper for thousands of acres of Suffolk land. Now, as Steve Levy’s No. 2 guy, Morgo has an undeniable ability to get things done. Coupled with a strong rep as a straight shooter, Suffolk residents have a real gem watching their backs.