47. Morris Kramer

Kramer has been at the forefront of every major environmental battle regarding Long Island’s Western Bays, our water supplies and surrounding ocean for the past 45 years—though you might never have heard of him. That’s by design. He prefers it that way. Kramer is the guy behind the scenes pulling the strings, applying pressure when needed, forcing the hands of those in power, never taking cheap shots. When needed, he transforms himself into the South Shore’s most visible and outspoken environmental advocate. Kramer’s butted heads with the EPA, state DEC and political leaders from both sides of the aisle; too many to name here. Kramer has testified before Congress, railed against toxic seaweed in Point Lookout, and stopped sludge and medical waste flushed into New York Harbor from contaminating our Long Island beaches, among other initiatives. Kramer makes things happen. He galvanizes communities. Consequently, Kramer’s both feared and respected. Again, most of his work is done quietly—unless officials are not responsive. Then it’s war. And Kramer wins.