Senator Díaz. (Photo: NYS Senate)

If you're a gambling man, you might try guessing which New York politician will be arrested for corruption next.

So wrote State Senator Rubén Díaz in his latest "What You Should Know" missive, where he claims bets are being placed on who in Albany will be the next to be indicted. As corruption charges rock Albany, Mr. Díaz says the state capital is now an "ambulatory casino."

"You should know that here in Albany, you can find bookies taking and placing bets all over the place," Mr. Díaz wrote. "Ever since U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara released the names of six Democratic Senators who were recorded by disgraced Senator Shirley Huntley, Albany has become an ambulatory casino in New York State."

While implying that former State Senator Shirley Huntley, recently sentenced to a year in prison on embezzlement charges, was a hypocrite for wiretapping colleagues, Mr. Díaz wrote that there are "high-rollers," either figurative or literal, that are also betting on whether Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver ultimately keeps his job. Mr. Silver has drawn scrutiny for initially trying to cover up the sexual harassment allegations against former Assemblyman Vito Lopez.

"Some high-rollers here in the State Capitol are also betting on the odds of Assemblyman Sheldon Silver’s future as Speaker after his secret handling of sexual abuse cases in the Assembly," Mr. Díaz wrote. "It’s hard to walk in any room in Albany without hearing someone discussing the odds of how much time Assemblyman Silver has left."

Mr. Díaz also opined on the nature of friendship, criticizing those who are "inviting their colleagues to dinners and parties under the guise of friendship, just to put them in jail." Of course, odds are being placed on who is wearing a recording device, Mr. Díaz claimed.

"With friends like that, who needs enemies?" Mr. Díaz asked.

And Mr. Díaz saved some fire for his colleague, State Senator Tony Avella, who is trying to leave the chambers by running for Queens borough president. Mr. Díaz was bothered by a comment Mr. Avella made recently to the Daily News that he was "not surprised" Senator José Peralta, one of his opponents, was one of the elected officials that Ms. Huntley recorded.

"It appears to me that Senator Tony Avella placed himself in the role judge, jury and executioner to publicly condemn Senator José Peralta to the world," Mr. Díaz wrote, lamenting that Mr. Avella may have ruined Mr. Peralta's chances of becoming Queens borough president. "If Senator Avella does not know about actual wrong-doings by Senator Peralta, then Senator Tony Avella owes a public apology to Senator José Peralta, to Senator Peralta’s constituents, to his Democratic colleagues, to the Hispanic community – and especially to the Dominican community," he wrote.

"So, ladies and gentlemen, with friends like Tony Avella, Senator Peralta needs no enemies," Mr. Díaz added.

Mr. Avella did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

“I thought we should have had a much more active borough president and much more of a coordinating effort from the office of the borough president,” Mr. Avella told the Times Ledger. “That convinced me Queens needs a voice.”

The move comes as some surprise, as Mr. Avella hadn't previously committed himself to the already-crowded race. Other top-tier candidates include Councilman Leroy Comrie, State Senator José Peralta and former Councilwoman Melinda Katz. Councilman Peter Vallone, with a million dollars in his campaign account, is also publicly mulling a bid. Mr. Vallone, who, like Mr. Avella, is an Italian-American known to speak out against the Democratic establishment, could see his hypothetical electoral coalition adversely affected by today's news.

Mr. Avella previously ran a quixotic campaign for mayor in 2009, decisively losing the Democratic primary vote to then-Comptroller Bill Thompson. Even without the local party's support, the state senator told the Times Ledger he would fully be in this race as well.

“I think we have a real shot, and so far the reaction has been positive,” he said of his chances.

State Senator Tony Avella holds a public forum on fracking

The debate over whether to allow hydraulic fracturing, known as fracking, in the State of New York continues to heat up.

State Senator Tony Avella held a public forum this week aiming to dissuade the public from supporting the controversial natural gas drilling procedure. Mr. Avella's event followed a statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo that he is considering permitting it in five counties near the Pennsylvania border: Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Steuben and Tioga.

For the uninitiated, hydraulic fracturing involves injecting a cocktail of water, sand and chemicals into the ground to crack open rock formations, which contain gas. It has been going on since 1947, but many environmentalists are in a seemingly sudden, even apocalyptic panic mode over the issue, especially in New York. They raise concerns fracking could cause air pollution and contaminate critical groundwater supplies by releasing methane gas and toxic chemicals. One attendee at Mr. Avella's event even claimed that, if fracking isn’t stopped, we are facing a situation similar to that in the film The Day After Tomorrow.

Not everyone is on board with this anti-fracking train. In response to director Josh Fox's anti-fracking documentary Gasland, a journalist and filmmaker Phelim McAleer made a movie of his own--FrackNation, which is about to be released as a response to Mr. Fox's movie. While opponents of fracking squad portrays the farmers living near these natural gas wells as endangered by the procedure, Mr. McAleer further argues that this is a debate is between the “rich, urban elite and the rural poor” with bored and wealthy Manhattanites working against poor farmers who could cut deals with the natural gas companies to transform their lives for the better.

The Senate Republicans, who control the chamber, were particularly unimpressed with Mr. Avella's forum.

“Another day, another political stunt by what's left of the Senate Democrat conference,” their spokesman, Scott Reif, wrote in a statement.

In the end, it may be up to the voters. At the start of the forum, Senator Liz Krueger, an outspoken opponent of fracking, told the audience she believes fracking can be stopped if the Democrats win a majority in the Senate to complement their control of the Assembly.

“I am very confident that if my Democrat colleagues were the majority in the Senate… both houses would have passed legislation in the last session that made sure that none of us had to be worried about permitting [fracking] going forward,” she said.

Yet with the election many months away and Mr. Cuomo moving forward with a limited proposal, advocates are left hoping that sufficient public pressure can be generated to guide his hand. Forums like Mr. Avella's as well as competing documentaries with completely opposite narratives are all part of that public relations battle.

Toby Ann Stavisky (Photo: Facebook)

State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky, who was drawn into the same district as her colleague Tony Avella, shall forgo the potentially contentious incumbent-on-incumbent primary and instead will seek reelection in a new Asian-majority district created in Queens, according to an announcement email sent to her supporters earlier this evening.

Ms. Stavisky had previously indicated she was unsure of her plans, and while she said she was definitely running for reelection, the possibility of a messy primary against Mr. Avella was a looming problem for the Senate Democrats after the Republicans controlling the chamber released the new district boundaries. Since most of her old district is in the new Asian-majority seat, however, her announcement isn't exactly shocking.

 She will be kicking off her reelection campaign this Friday with a plethora of her fellow elected officials. The leading names on Ms. Stavisky's list of attendees, notably, are Queens' two local Asian-American elected officials: Councilman Peter Koo and Assemblywoman Grace Meng. If Ms. Stavisky can consolidate some support among the district's Asian constituencies, her reelection path could become substantially clearer.

Attorney John Messer is also in the race and has vowed to spend his own money to do so. However, despite the historic district, no Asian-American candidate has emerged for the seat yet. One Queens source suggested watching former City Council candidates S.J. Jung and Yen Chou, but given the diverseness of the district's Asian community, lower levels of citizenship and voter turnout among immigrant groups, and the advantages of incumbency, Ms. Stavisky surely starts out as the favorite.

Also attending Ms. Stavisky's Friday announcement rally are Borough President Helen Marshall, former Borough President Claire Shulman, State Senator Jose Peralta, Assembly Members Michael Simanowitz, Andrew Hevesi, and David Weprin; Council Members Karen Koslowitz, James Gennaro, Jimmy Van Bramer, and Danny Dromm; and "community leaders from throughout Queens."

Senator Avella (Photo: Facebook)

Queens State Senator Tony Avella, often known to speak his mind, wrote a letter to the editor of his local Patch publication highly critical of the "new fad we are witnessing is the multitude of 'State of the State' and 'State of the City' addresses."

"I am writing to voice my disdain with what I see as a new fad being used as a self-promotional tool amongst politicians who, quite often, are seeking higher office throughout this city and state," Mr. Avella began, explaining while he has "no problem with the governor, mayors and heads of municipalities" giving addresses, he is concerned with City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Comptroller John Liu, and the various Borough Presidents all needing to give speeches of their own.

(He didn't even mention some of the "State of the District" speeches by some elected officials.)

"It is ridiculous and a complete waste of time and money to set up these events that often seem like campaign speeches without the banners and adoring supporters," he added.

Mr. Avella finished his letter calling for an end to these speeches.

"The shameless self-promotion and grandstanding needs to end. Our city and state face great challenges that deserve our undivided attention," he said. "All these self aggrandizing speeches really only serve to beg the question that with all of these great ideas and accomplishments by these politicians, why do we still face such serious problems?"

View the full letter.

Mark Ruffalo makes his case against hydrofracking. (Photo: Hunter Walker)

Apparently, Hydrofracking makes Hulk mad. Mark Ruffalo, who's set to play the famous green superhero strongman in the "Avengers" movie due out next May, was among the celebrities and politicians who turned out to show their opposition to the controversial natural gas drilling technique today. Mr. Ruffalo appeared along with Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, actress Debra Winger, State Senator Daniel Squadron and others at an anti-fracking press conference ahead of the Department of Environmental Conservation's hearing to review regulations for hydrofracking, which is popular shorthand for hydraulic fracturing.

About 100 people gathered for the press conference including a contingent of activists who waved signs with slogans like "Don't Frack With New York." They packed into a courtyard at the Borough of Manhattan Community College where the hearing was an hour away from beginning. A trio carried placards with pictures of Governor Andrew Cuomo photoshopped into the famous "See No Evil, Speak No Evil, Hear No Evil" pose.

Governor Cuomo is a favored target of the anti-fracking activists since he lifted an outright moratorium on the procedure this past summer and, with the DEC, is working to come up with rules to regulate hydrofracking in the state. Environmental activists argue the hydrofracking, which involves extracting gas from underground rock layers by creating fractures with a cocktail of pressurized water and chemicals, is dangerous and want it banned outright. Proponents of hydrofracking, including the natural gas industry, which has spent millions lobbying for the procedure, promise fracking safe and will create jobs. Proposed DEC hydrofracking regulations would allow the procedure apart from the New York City and Syracuse watersheds, which would be free from fracking and surrounded by a 4,000 foot buffer zone.

Like most rallies in the wake of the widespread Occupy Wall Street protests, the press conference began with a "mic check." David Braun, a representative of United for Action, one of the groups pushing for a hydrofracking ban, used the "people's mic" technique popularized at the protests where a speaker shouts and asks the crowd to repeat his words. Mr. Braun attempted to ease the crowding in the courtyard.

"We need you good people of New York to take two steps back," he shouted. Many in the crowd dutifully repeated his words and moved backward.

State Senator Tony Avella, who co-sponsored a bill to ban fracking, was the first politician to speak.

"We have to be literally insane to even contemplate this practice," Senator Avella said. "We're not going to let this happen. This fight is only beginning. No fracking way!"

Scott Stringer says his piece. (Photo: Hunter Walker)

Senator Avella's last three words provoked uproarious chants from the crowd. Once the noise died down, Borough President Stringer took the podium.

"The reason we oppose fracking is because it's proven to be unsafe. … We have got to send a strong signal at this hearing," Borough President Stringer said. "This is the number one environmental issue facing the United States of America and New York City should lead the environmental community rather than follow it."

Borough President Stringer also pointed out that other countries, including Israel, have held off on allow hydrofracking within their borders until more research can be done into its effects.

"If it's not safe for Israel, and they're right, why is it safe for New York State?" Borough President Stringer asked.

State Senator Daniel Squadron was next to speak.

"Can we have women speakers?" a heckler in the crowd shouted.

Senator Squadron urged the group not to let "fracking be the mistake this generation makes for the next generation." He was followed by State Senator Liz Krueger, who also co-sponsored the fracking ban.

"Yay! A woman!" the heckler shouted.

Senator Krueger referenced a statement Governor Cuomo made to the New York Times that he wanted to "get the facts" before making a concrete decision on fracking.

"Let the science and the facts make the determination, not emotion and not politics," Governor Cuomo said.

At the press conference, Senator Krueger questioned that approach.

"There is so much science, there are so much facts," she said. "I'm waiting to see any study saying it's OK to go forward other than studies produced by the industry."

Mr. Ruffalo spoke next and asked why New York isn't working on plans to generate jobs and power through environmentally friendly means.

"What this state needs and wants is renewable energy," Mr. Ruffalo said. "Why are we here today debating what amounts of poison we will allow our children to ingest and inhale? Why aren't we debating where we're going to put our solar farms?"

Ms. Winger followed Mr. Ruffalo by predicting fracking will have a disastrous effect on New York's real estate market.

"Real estate will tank if we do this. Talk about a bad real estate world, you haven't seen anything. If you have frackland, you won't sell anything in New York State," she said.

Josh Fox, who wrote and directed "Gasland," an Academy Award nominated documentary on hydrofracking, also spoke. He tried to use the "people's mic."

"Let's be trendy about this, mic check, mic check," Mr. Fox began. "The gas industry is lying. They can spend millions of dollars lobbying Albany, lobbying Washington, but it won't work. … The genie is out of the bottle."

Mr. Fox's attempt to employ the "people's mic" was met with mixed results. Midway through his remarks his voice trailed off and he began to cough.

"Sorry, I have a cold," Mr. Fox said as his voice returned to normal volume. He finished his speech by characterizing the fight over fracking as a "human rights struggle."

"This is not about the environment, it's about the gas industry and politicians who support them admitting human rights violations," Mr. Fox said.

As the scheduled start of the hearing approached, we left the press conference to ensure we'd have a seat. Outside the doors of the auditorium people fought over the tickets that would allow them to speak. The DEC allotted 3 minute slots for 100 speakers during the three hour afternoon hearing. Another session is scheduled for 6 p.m. this evening. Hearings on hydrofracking have also been held at several other locations around the state.

Elected officials were the first to speak. Senator Avella pointed out the absence of DEC Commissioner Joe Martens.

"Although I have a good relationship with the agency and I think you do a good job overall, but I'm disappointed not to see the Commissioner here," Senator Avella said.

State Senator Thomas Duane also criticized the DEC.

"I must note my dismay at the haste with which DEC is conducting this public review process," Mr. Duane said.

Senator Duane said the DEC's proposed fracking regulations and mitigation measures "do not go far enough."

"I am also concerned that the DEC, after sustaining a series of budget and staff cuts, will be unable to effectively enforce its proposed rules and regulations," Senator Duane said.

Senator Duane also called on the DEC to establish criminal penalties "for both intentional frack fluid releases and acts of negligence."

"Drilling companies must not be allowed to simply absorb civil penalties for cutting corners as the cost of doing business," Senator Duane said. "The prospect of criminal prosecution could deter reckless behavior."

None of the elected officials present or those who sent people to speak on their behalf in the first 40 minutes of the hearing spoke in favor of fracking. Hearings are scheduled to continue until tonight at 9 pm.

NY26: "Hochul's campaign may become a prototype for many races next year." [Jerry Zremski / Buffalo News]

NY26: Corwin acknowledges not addressing Medicare criticism early enough. [Robert McCarthy / Buffalo News]

NY26: Editors back Corwin; calls Tea Party candidate Davis "a fraud and a spoiler." [NY Post]

Obama: Drinks Guinness in Ireland. [Philip Caufield and Helen Kennedy / Daily News]

Same-Sex Marriage: "I know the governor is a busy person, but I think my vote is pretty significant given the fact that I vote first," said uncommitted GOP Alesi. [Joe Spector / Democrat and Chronicle]

Third Terms: Doesn't seem like Bloomberg knows what to do with it. [Michael Powell / NY Times]

Warnings: "We can expect New York to lead the country in outmigration for the near future." [Fred Seigel / NY Post]

Taxis: US Attorney in Manhattan reportedly probes why new city cabs aren't wheelchair accessible. [Michael Grynbaum / NY Times]

Taxis: The story hits the wires. [AP]

Fire House Closures: "It concerns me greatly how the mayor treats public safety, especially fire safety, in a very cavalier manner," said Avella. [Jonathan Lemire / Daily News]

Fire House Closures: Editors say cut funding to non-profits, keep fire houses. [NY Post]

Budgets: Alternatives to Bloomberg's cuts. [Javier Hernandez / NY Times]

Ticket-Fixing: Bronx cop admits doing some. [Kirstan Conley / NY Post]

Ticket-Fixing: Details came as cop testified in court. [CJ Hughes / NY Times]

Transit: "Mayor Bloomberg in danger of being deadbeat dad when it comes to mass transit." [Pete Donohue / Daily News]

Traffic: Bill requiring additional mirrors on trucks passed State Senate; could pass Assembly by Wednesday. [Glenn Blain / Wednesday]

Fees: LIPA charging locals $5 per pole to hang American flags for parade. [Mark Harringon / Newsday]

Fees: It's the wood. [Newsday]

Fines: Editors want de Blasio to pay $303,750 fine for illegal posturing postering. [Daily News]

Pay Days: "Lawmakers who moonlight as attorneys" push a bill to boost lawyers fee's on malpractice lawsuits. [Brendan Scott / NY Post]

Reform: What will jolt state lawmakers to action? [Bill Hammond / Daily News]

Redistricting: Editors say GOP plan in Nassau is "a radical act of disenfranchisement." [NY Times]

CityTime: Long-delayed, over-priced computer system is operational. [Michael Saul / WSJ]

Alcohol: Push to sell wine in grocery stores. [Jimmy Vielkind / Times Union]

Crime: Man said he spent two nights in jail after police stop him for drinking Snapple. [Katie Nelson / Daily News]

Polls: No more smoking bans, say readers. [Crains]

Cartoons: Obama and his Middle East policy. [Michael Ramirez / Democrat and Chronicle]