6. Thomas DiNapoli

DiNapoli’s ascendency to New York State Comptroller is a familiar story to Long Islanders who follow local politics. But for many outside of the Island, DiNapoli seemed like a curious choice to follow the disgraced Alan Hevesi. The popular former assemblyman was elected by his colleagues in the wake of Hevesi’s resignation to restore confidence in the position of state comptroller. DiNapoli has withstood the criticism of the NYC papers that seemed determined to make a mockery of his election and gained the support of New Yorkers with his re-election over Republican Harry Wilson in 2010. DiNapoli’s work ethic and integrity have won over critics and repaired the reputation of an office plagued by scandal.