Who would have thought, back when people were complaining about the lack of snowplows on New London's Ocean Avenue, that beach traffic woes would come around so soon on the same road.

But here we are, Fourth of July over, on the eve of New London's summer extravaganza, Sailfest, at the cusp of the sultry dog days of summer.

School's out. The clam shacks are cranking. Camps are in session. It's that time of year when a trip through Mystic must be timed with the bridge.

Among those who will be savoring high summer in eastern Connecticut this year are 20 student campers from China, hosted by the Quest Chinese Summer Camp at Waterford High School.

Hot spots on their agenda for the next two weeks include local marinas, the Connecticut College Arboretum and Bluff Point State Park.

Welcome.

Some hot summer entertainment in store for all of us will be the New London Water Wars, a citywide squirt gun fight that has gotten off to a splashy start.

One new entrant in the battle is Mayor Daryl Finizio, who gamely signed up over the weekend on the wars' Facebook page.

The mayor politely asked that water warriors aiming at hizzoner respect the rule to not attack people at work. After all, he said in signing on to the game, he is often suited up and working as he makes his way around town.

I suspect the mayor will be a popular target.

I might also suggest Michael Passero, Finizio's opponent in the mayoral race, the other citywide entertainment/contest this summer, also jump in and join New London Water Wars.

Maybe, instead of an election, the city could stage a water rifle shoot-off on the Parade. The candidates could rearm at the whale tail fountain.

One person who is not going to be sweating out the summer of 2015, at home anyway, is Gov. Dannel Malloy.

In fact, the governor's mansion is now cooled by central air conditioning, a new system that came under fire this spring from neighbors who complained about the unsightly condensers that have been installed on the roof.

Indeed, the line of machinery on the roof of the mansion looks absurd, a row of what could be seen as mechanically obscene gestures aimed at neighbors in the historic district, where everyone else has to abide by careful design rules.

Indeed, the Malloy administration response to neighbors' objections was part of what we are learning to be the governor's second-term arrogance.

Part of the administration's response to the air conditioning equipment complaints is that the system is saving energy and taxpayer money. I don't see anything wrong with a modern central cooling system for what is essentially an important public building. But let's be honest, it's meant to create comfort, not savings.

The Malloy response also delivered a reminder that historic district rules do not apply to the state. The government can do whatever it wants, neighbors and historic districts be damned.

In any case, it will be good to know, as the summer heats up, the governor will be keeping his cool, at home anyway.

This is the opinion of David Collins

d.collins@theday.com

Twitter: @DavidCollinsct