THE VIEW FROM DINAPOLI: In the ego-driven world of New York politics, one official stands apart: A quiet, amiable pol who eschews a fancy office and doesn’t even keep a computer in his workspace. State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli’s style in the state capital is practically unheard of: befriend everyone, stay present and don’t steal the spotlight. “I think my brand of politics, which maybe some people would say is anachronistic or old-fashioned, is definitely one that is not confrontational,” the Democratic official, sitting cross-legged at a long conference table in Albany, tells me. He’s been in the position for 17 years now, after being installed as the Legislature’s consensus candidate in 2007 during a battle between former Gov. Eliot Spitzer and the two Houses. No one has come close to unseating DiNapoli since 2010, when he faced a tough challenge from Republican Harry Wilson. We’re seated next door to his sprawling personal office on Albany’s State Street. In it, there’s an imposing desk, a matching set of plush, light-blue couches and chairs and a stunning view of the state Capitol with wisps of the Upper Hudson Valley hills in the distance. DiNapoli almost never uses the room. “When I first came here, I saw this office. I said, ‘This is such a freaking big office, who needs this office?’” he said. He prefers to be hunched over, mere feet from his assistant, Cathy, working off the arm of her desk in an adjoining room. It’s in keeping with his brand. DiNapoli is subdued, but friendly. Smiling, but humble. And he has a clear playbook he swears by to stay alive in the bloody world of New York politics. “Don't demonize or belittle the opposition,” he recounts. “Be honest and forthright about your beliefs and your positions.” “On policy issues,” he says, “look for common ground as much as possible.” As state comptroller, DiNapoli commands a staff of about 2,700 where he’s tasked with auditing the state, managing its pension fund and exposing waste, fraud and abuse in government. The position comes with natural speculation that he could be eyeing a run for governor. But DiNapoli won’t entertain that. “I made the decision to run again for this job,” he said. “I always say I have the best job in New York state government that most people don't fully appreciate. So for me, it's just been kind of an easy choice.” DiNapoli, 70, is the second-longest-serving comptroller in the state’s history. He’d have to run again in 2030 if he wants to make the record and beat out Arthur Levitt, who served from 1955 to 1978. His work style may be more in common with Levitt than the next comptroller. DiNapoli doesn’t have a computer in his office and still likes to hunt the neighborhood for print copies of the Times, Newsday, Daily News and The Post (“I’m not a luddite,” he objects). He wakes up early and almost never takes vacation (He’d go to Greece or Italy if he could). He reads political biographies, political speeches and chronicles of the Civil War (He majored in History at Hofstra). And, while he’s often private about it, he’s a devout Catholic who goes to church every weekend. (“I’m a big fan of the Popes,” he tells me after I point out the Pope Francis portrait behind his desk). And if you want to email him, good luck. “Cathy has a computer, so if someone wants to email me, I use Cathy’s email and she will print it out for me. That’s how we do it.” His style has served him well over the years. He handily won the last three of his elections, since that scare in 2010. And he has few foes: “I think I have a shorter list of people who don't like me than others do,” he says with a smile. But, let’s make things clear. He doesn’t appreciate the suggestion that he’s some kind of softy (Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo allegedly nicknamed him “CB” for Chipmunk Balls). “Sometimes when I hear people say, ‘Oh, he's such a nice guy.’ I mean, I think people mean it as a compliment, but sometimes, you know, it's almost like patting you on the head or something,” he said. “Look, I've survived in New York state politics for 37 years. That just doesn't happen because you're such a nice guy.” — Jason Beeferman
| 
