Long Island Press Power List 2009
What do people with power do? More importantly, what can someone accomplish with power? In 2008, an African-African man won an historic presidential election. One woman lost her chance to lead the free world, but has now become an ambassador for peace in these volatile times. A brilliant businessman was found to be a thief. Some men started wars. Nobody ended one. To have power is to have influence. Each year, when the Press begins to map out its Power List, more variables must be factored in. This year’s list ranges from the top names in politics and business to community leaders. Every name is another piece of the mosaic that makes up this Island. We are proud of the 2009 Power List. Learn the names and faces. Keep score this year. Let’s see who makes it back, and where they fall. Or better yet—why.
23. James Carver
Nassau County Police Benevolent Association President
When James Carver won his election last year to succeed the venerable Power List Hall of Famer Gary DelaRaba, who retired after 20 years as the PBA president, there were some big shoes to fill. As the county’s largest police union, the Nassau PBA has extraordinary influence in Nassau and beyond. Carver has filled the role like an old pro, having learned from DelaRaba himself after spending 26 years as a street cop and then four as first vice president of the union. He has not only proved himself a worthy adversary for County Executive Suozzi, but also a union leader who is not frivolous with his position of power. Make no mistake about it, the position of union leader is political, and with that role come many risks. Carver has done a great job stepping lightly, protecting his union and keeping Nassau’s cops working hard on the streets. Get used to seeing his name on the Power List.
Posted Thursday, April 16, 2009
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