Concerns of conflict of interest and improper influence were raised by the Ship Bottom Land Use Board chair after his board unanimously approved Hotel LBI’s request to host summer weddings following comments of support from a new councilman.

“While I understand that every citizen has a right to express their views, the participation of a sitting council member in a LUB (land use board) hearing creates risks of conflicts of interest, improper influence and the appearance of impropriety that I…