Othello City Council Position 3: Carmona vs. Lopez
OTHELLO — Oscar Lopez and Alma Carmona are running for an open position on the Othello City Council. The Columbia Basin Herald provided identical questions to each candidate, with a word limit; both responded.
What made you decide to run for city council?
Carmona: As a planning commissioner for the city of Othello, I have gotten to see and recommend some great policies. The “traffic safety plan” is one of my favorites; I have a very active family and I love keeping our street safe from a pedestrian perspective. Another deciding factor to run is my daughters, I want to show the girls and really all kids from Othello that your background doesn’t define you, we are capable of so much more. We don’t need someone to represent us, we can represent ourselves. I’m coming into this race with the same mindset I’ve had during my time as a commissioner — listen to the people, explain myself, do my best to give my community a voice, and don’t promise things I can’t deliver. We are just people, as councilmen in the end.
Lopez: I'm running for city council because I care deeply about the future of our city. I believe we need thoughtful, responsive leadership that puts the needs of residents first. This is a critical time for our community—we face real challenges, but also exciting opportunities. I want to ensure that our city is a place where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and everyone feels heard and represented.
What qualifications do you think you have for the job?
Lopez: As a volunteer firefighter, I’ve learned the value of teamwork, service, and making quick, informed decisions under pressure. Professionally, I manage multiple budgets for our company, which require strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and fiscal responsibility. These experiences have taught me how to prioritize needs, listen to diverse perspectives, and stay accountable to the people I serve. I bring a strong work ethic, a commitment to transparency, and a deep investment in the future of Othello. I’m ready to advocate for our community with integrity and action.
Carmona: I’m qualified to serve on City Council because of my experience and commitment to Othello. The past five years, I’ve served as a Planning Commissioner, where I’ve gained hands-on knowledge of city policies, zoning and development. This role has helped me understand how decisions are made and how to balance growth with community needs. I also serve on three nonprofit boards, two focused on youth sports and one centered on community development, where I work to expand access, build partnerships and support local families. These experiences have strengthened my leadership, communication, and decision-making skills. I’ve learned how to listen, collaborate and bring people together around common goals. Most importantly, I’m deeply invested in this community and believe in leading with transparency, respect and accountability to make sure Othello continues to grow in a way that benefits everyone.
What do you think are the two or three most important challenges facing Othello?
Carmona: One of the biggest challenges we face in Othello is our housing shortage. With a deficit of over 1,400 homes, many families and workers who want to live here simply can’t find affordable housing. That shortage affects our local economy and makes it harder for our community to grow in a balanced way. We need thoughtful planning and partnerships to make sure Othello continues to be a place where families can call home.
Another major challenge is our water supply. As a farming community, water is the heart of Othello. It sustains our crops, our livelihoods, and our future growth. We have to be proactive in protecting this resource through smart conservation and planning.
Both challenges remind us how important it is to plan ahead and work together to keep Othello thriving for generations to come.
Lopez: One major challenge is the city’s decision to create its own fire department. While I fully support strong emergency services, I believe Othello is not yet ready to take on this responsibility alone. The Adams County Fire (District 5) has been meeting our needs effectively, and any transition must be carefully planned to avoid risking public safety or overextending city resources. Another key issue is the long-neglected city pool. This facility is more than just recreation—it’s a vital community space, especially for our youth. Fixing it should be a priority that reflects the voices of our residents. These challenges require thoughtful leadership, open communication, and responsible budgeting.
In terms of funding, how would you prioritize them? How would you pay for them?
Lopez: Public safety must always come first, so if the city moves forward with creating its own fire department, we need a clear, sustainable funding plan that won’t jeopardize other essential services. That means carefully reviewing the budget, seeking grants, and possibly phasing in changes over time. However, I believe continuing to work with the county fire department remains the most cost-effective and reliable option for now. The city pool is also a priority—restoring it could be supported through state recreation grants, partnerships, and community fundraising efforts. My goal is to prioritize projects that directly serve residents while ensuring we live within our means and maintain a balanced, transparent budget.
Carmona: When it comes to funding, I think it’s important to be realistic and thoughtful about how we spend our community’s money. I’ll be honest – I'm still learning about all the different funding options cities have, but I always approach budgeting with care. In Planning Commission meetings, I’ve leaned toward being conservative with unnecessary spending because every dollar should go toward something that truly benefits Othello.
With grant money becoming harder to secure, it’s more important than ever to focus on our upcoming budgets and make sure we’re financially stable. I’d like to see us prioritize things that directly support families and the future of our city, like housing, infrastructure, and protecting our water resources. At the end of the day, it’s about being good stewards of what we have and making smart choices that keep Othello strong for years to come.
What are two or three important opportunities you see for Othello?
Carmona: Othello has some real opportunities ahead of us. One of the biggest is managing our growth in a way that keeps our small-town feel while meeting our housing needs. If we plan carefully, our housing deficit can become an opportunity to create more affordable, family-friendly neighborhoods that support our local workforce.
Another opportunity lies in strengthening partnerships between the city, schools, nonprofits and local businesses. Working together can help us find creative solutions for things like infrastructure and water conservation.
I think we have a chance to invest in the next generation by expanding youth programs, supporting local sports, and creating more community spaces where families can connect. Othello’s greatest strength is its people, and by building on that, we can make sure our city grows in a way that reflects our values and supports everyone.
Lopez: Othello has several key opportunities to grow in a way that benefits the entire community. First, housing is a major need — by supporting responsible development of affordable and workforce housing, we can help more families live and thrive here without being priced out. Second, investing in infrastructure like parks, the city pool, and public spaces can improve quality of life and make Othello more attractive for both residents and businesses. Finally, we can strengthen partnerships with the county for public safety services, ensuring we meet community needs while managing costs wisely. With careful planning and community input, Othello can grow in a way that stays true to our values.
What are some things that you would like to see happen in Othello, some goals that you would work toward?
Lopez: I’d like to see Othello invest in the things that bring our community together, starting with restoring the city pool and improving recreational spaces for families and youth. I also want to focus on increasing access to affordable housing so more residents can live and work here comfortably. Strengthening public safety is another top goal, and I believe we can do that by maintaining a strong partnership with the county fire department while planning carefully for the future. I’d also work toward more transparent, community-driven budgeting so residents feel heard and informed about how their tax dollars are being spent. My goal is to help Othello grow in a way that supports working families, respects our values, and prepares us for long-term success.
Carmona: If I’m elected, I want to focus on goals that help Othello grow while keeping our community strong. One of the first things I’d like to see is more affordable housing, so families and workers who love this town have a place to call home.
Protecting our water supply is another priority. It’s the heart of our farms, our economy, and our way of life. Making sure we plan carefully and invest wisely will keep Othello thriving for years to come.
I’d also love to see stronger community programs, more opportunities for kids and families, support for local sports, and spaces where neighbors can connect and support one another.
And through it all, I want to help keep our city financially stable, making sure every decision is smart, responsible, and focused on our community’s future.
Oscar Lopez