39. Paul Pontieri

Patchogue is buzzing with music, night life, retail stores and restaurants. This gateway to Fire Island’s east end has become a destination in itself with innovative, mixed-use development that brings the heart of the village alive. Now in his third term, Pontieri was doing this just because it made sense—he didn’t know he should just say “no” like all the others in office before him who let things decline. Just watch what happens after TRITEC’s New Village project is completed, with its 291 residential units nestled above office and commercial space at the ground level; and nearby there’ll be a mini-Soho with lofts for artists, plus two more music venues to join the Patchogue Theatre. This place is hip, not bad for a village once consigned to the dust bin.