It seems that while national politics may soon get a lot more interesting with an impending nomination to the Supreme Court and the fireworks to follow, local politics is entering that summer lull devoid of news or fodder for blogs like our own.

Yet while the news slows down, the press secretary’s and their communication machines don’t — they just send out press releases for news that’s, well, hardly newsworthy. It was only 11 days ago that an excited press release from D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams’ office announced his intentions to ride the Metro. It took us at DCist a few minutes to compose ourselves after that one.

The Mayor’s very own communication team may have one-upped themselves this time. According to a release hot off the presses, the District Department of Parks and Recreation has decided to waive the entrance fee to the city’s 32 public swimming pools for residents aged 17 or under until the end of the summer season, September 6, 2005. Says Mayor Williams:

“I’m pleased that the city’s healthy economy makes it possible for us to waive the $1 fee that we’ve charged children in the past to use pools. By eliminating the fee, we hope that even more people will come out to use the city’s beautiful pools, especially with the temperature so high. It’s a great way to keep cool.”

Practical-minded DCists believe that the Mayor may be running short on ideas and initiatives, while the more conspiracy-obsessed DCists believe there’s political gain to be had. After all, many of those 17-year-olds will be legal voters come next November, when Williams, should he choose to run again, may face some stiff competition from Council-member Adrian Fenty (D-Ward 4), who is currently the city’s favorite populist. Mayor Williams, you sly dog!

Maybe these aren’t slow news days — we may just not be reading between the lines…