47. Lisa Tyson

Voted the Best Long Island Activist in 2007 by Long Island Press readers, Tyson has been a tireless advocate for economic, racial and social justice, transparent and efficient government, taxpayers’ rights and LI’s environment for more than 30 years. From battling power plants to facing off against politicians, no cause is too small and no fight is too large when it comes to sticking up for what’s just and fair. LIPC’s efforts contributed to the creation and recent passage of legislation giving state voters the power to consolidate and dissolve the costly, overlapping patchwork of special districts and municipal governments that has resulted in Nassau’s out-of-control taxes. Tyson had a powerful ally in this cause, former Nassau Comptroller Harvey Weitzman. Her resolve will be tested during the reign of Comptroller George Maragos, who has stated he would not be auditing those special districts.