8. Thomas Spota

The four-term top prosecutor for the eastern half of Long Island was best known for trying high-profile public corruption cases after he first took office more than a decade ago. Lately, he’s become something of an environmental crusader, since arguably the biggest case currently on his to-do list involves the alleged dumping of toxic material at Town of Islip parks. Former town workers and politically connected contractors were arrested in the case following a particularly lengthy and complex investigation. While that case works its way through the courts, he’s also continuing to call on New York State lawmakers to increase the mandatory minimum prison sentences for hit-and-run drivers, as well as combatting the drug epidemic and gangs. And after sailing to re-election two years ago, don’t expect him to let up anytime soon.