I was glad to be rid of him. He was one of those people who could go to New York and be "fascinating," but here in his own world he was just a cheap functionary, and a dull one at that.
The quote expresses a sense of relief in parting from an individual who, while charming and captivating in a vibrant setting like New York, fails to impress in his ordinary surroundings. The speaker views this person as a mere bureaucrat, lacking any depth or excitement in his day-to-day life, which ultimately leads to a feeling of dissatisfaction.
This commentary highlights a contrast between how people can present themselves depending on their environment. In bustling places, some individuals may thrive and be engaging, but in their own mundane contexts, their true colors may reveal a lack of substance and excitement. This leads to the speaker's final judgment that they are better off without such a presence.