The Man Behind the Mysterious ‘News’ Website Revealed
SHEEPSHEAD BAY — A mysterious website that sprang up a few weeks ago “reporting” on Southern Brooklyn belongs to former State Sen. David Storobin, Bklyner has learned.
Storobin, who served a short 7-month stint in office before he was redistricted told Bklyner he’s always wanted to “do journalism” and wrote for his college paper, The Excelsior. Storobin, 40, says he’ll focus on Sheepshead Bay, Coney Island and Brighton Beach on the two-month-old blog dubbed Shorefront News.
The site features a mix of community and politics stories, like the one that read “sources” revealed former City Councilman Mike Nelson is running for the 48th council seat.
He’s not running, according to Nelson.
There are no bylines. When asked why the site doesn’t name their reporters, Storobin responded, “No reason.”
The practicing attorney said the site is more of a hobby because he’s “certainly not making money.” Betting on his political contacts and two decades of writing experience, Storobin said he thought it “interesting to try journalism.”
“I’m writing forever about one thing or another,” he said.
Storobin, a Republican, was elected state senator after ex-lawmaker Carl Kruger resigned behind bribery charges. The longtime Brooklynite by way of Russia and then Dallas defeated Lewis Fidler by 16 votes in a close 2012 race. After serving in session for 11 days, Storobin was fazed out of his seat because of redistricting. He late made two unsuccessful bids against State Sen. Felder and another against City Councilman Chaim Deutsch.
The former senator said he is not running for office nor will he be endorsing anyone in any upcoming elections.
“I’m not a professional journalist, I’m like a guy with an opinion,” he said.