40. David Mejias

Mejias being named to the Power List is mostly based on the fact that the only real action to emerge from the Nassau County Legislature in 2008 was Natalie’s Law, named for Natalie Ciappa, the Massapequa teen who became the public’s poster child for LI’s heroin epidemic. It was the most significant legislation to come out of Mineola last year. His next big move? The New Deal For Nassau, which could win some points with the bean counters in Mineola and taxpayers alike. Mejias will once again fight for his seat this November, and all signs point to a brutal battle. Yet he is a battle-weary campaign veteran and does not back down from even the stiffest competition. It may be the race of his life and judging from the past, Mejias will be ready for the fight.