38. Rich Schaffer

As the modern-day Machiavelli of Long Island, if not New York State, Suffolk County Democratic Chairman Rich Schaffer has been on a winning streak that inspires awe in his allies and fear in his adversaries. He’s seen his party’s candidates succeed in becoming the majority on the Suffolk Legislature and he helped his protégé Steve Bellone become Suffolk County executive. Then he replaced Bellone as the supervisor of Babylon Town—Schaffer’s second time running the township—because he could. His first term lasted from 1992 to 2001. Now more than a decade later, his hair may have gotten a touch grayer but Schaffer’s still got the mojo to make a difference for his constituents. He’s got his eye on the Wyandanch Rising development project, which is further along than ever before, and he won’t let it slide. For the residents recovering from the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, he’s helped them use this respite to continue rebuilding. Let’s hope his progress lasts through this year, too, because if it does, Babylon won’t be beat.