It's not a new idea, nor is it a unanimously popular one. However, it is an idea that, if ignored, may bring serious consequences to the civic life of that city.

Othello wants a new pool.

Not only does Othello average sweltering temperatures in the middle of summer, but the city's intention of becoming a "Mecca of tourism," as the late civic leader Les Clemons liked to put it, may be seriously hampered without a pool, especially with some serious aquatic competition just 26 miles north.

But when looking at reasons to build this pool, city leaders should not look at attracting visitors off Highways 26 or 17 or at potentially growing tourism revenue. They should instead look at the city's canal system and at the large amount of children who will pay it a visit during this pool-less summer and risk their lives for a brief, wet respite from the sun.

More years with no pool will mean a repetition of these images and an increased danger of children and adults losing their lives at the unguarded canals.

Opponents to the pool object to a supposed sense of ownership the city will feel over the pool. They object to this on the basis that if built, it will require monies from both county and city taxpayers. The day the canals claim its first victim, the ownership of the pool will look beyond irrelevant as will the leaders who chose not to build it because of it.

Some citizens point to the frugality of city leaders as a reason why this pool is a wildly outsized expense that Othello cannot afford.

With the economy on the mend and with city revenues still trying to recuperate from anti-tax measures, it's certainly a defensible argument.

But the developments in past weeks have shown the citizenry that although there is no way Othello can pretend to build a world-class facility, there is no actual need for one. What Othello needs is a pool that works. Let the bells and whistles come later when the money is there to pay for them.

And a pool that works is something that Othello can afford, if the idea is fed right to the citizens holding the purse strings. The biggest proof of it is how close the levy to pay for it has come to passing. Last year, it failed by three dozen votes.

Therefore, between now and the day the levy goes to the ballot, there can't be any effort spared by city leaders and pool supporters in spreading the word about the new pool levy and in clarifying any misconceptions the public might have, especially among those living outside the city limits.

Meetings, posters, doorbelling, even outdoor activities may serve as unwitting allies during the upcoming warm months, showing people the need for a new facility as they roast under the July sunshine.

At the same time, those watching with interest from the sidelines have only so many days to speak out. If you support the pool construction, get on board with it. If you oppose it, let your voice be heard, because if it passes, those wanting a new pool will not look back in their efforts to bring their dream into reality.

The safety of the residents of Greater Othello will be put to the test this summer. Even in the financially tightest of times, citizen safety should be the main concern of its leaders, and not necessarily what it would cost to provide it.

Sebastian Moraga is city reporter for the Columbia Basin Herald.