Cuomo watch: Differences with DiNapoli

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, both Democrats, haven't always displayed strong allegiance, to put it one way.

Hints of institutional friction were reported five years ago when Cuomo, as attorney general, began exploring the "pay-for-play" pension practices that ensnared DiNapoli's Democratic predecessor, Alan Hevesi.

Now the two have policy differences on a pension issue, with DiNapoli critical of Cuomo's proposal to offer a 401(k)-style defined contribution plan as part of a thinner "Tier 6" pension deal for future employees.

On Friday, eight local-government executives, including NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Suffolk Executive Steve Bellone and Westchester Executive Rob Astorino, issued a letter urging DiNapoli to back the Cuomo reform.

-- Dan Janison