Lowell official pays $5,000 ethics penalty
Daniel Lahiff, executive director of the Lowell Regional Water Utility, has paid a $5,000 civil penalty to the state Ethics Commission after admitting to several violations of the state’s conflict of interest law between 2008 and 2009.
According to a disposition agreement approved by the commission, Lahiff admitted using a city-owned generator to restore power to his home following two power outages. On one occasion, he also paid a significantly reduced labor fee to an employee to transport and hook it up.
Lahiff also admitted to underpaying a utility employee to install a wood floor at his home in 2009.
The conflict of interest law prohibits a municipal employee from knowingly using his position to secure unwarranted privileges or discounts.
Karen Sackowitz 
