In his State of the State address last week, Gov. John Baldacci laid out goals for the state that no one can seriously disagree with: “A leaner government, increased efficiencies and frugality.”

These are hard times for Mainers and for state government, which, after already adjusting several times for declining revenue, must now close a $438 million shortfall in the state budget.

Across the nation, unemployment remains stubbornly high at 10 percent. In Maine last month, 58,300 were unemployed, bringing the rate up to 8.3 percent.

These numbers require prudence in the governor’s office, as well a determination to use the resources of state government to best advantage for Maine’s economy and her people.

Last Thursday, Baldacci said how he intended to live up to these responsibilities.

His support for a collaborative effort to establish an offshore wind power industry is a wise investment. It could someday be a substantial part of Maine’s economy, and increase the availability of clean energy.

His proposal to evaluate teacher and school performance is important because it conforms to the teacher accountability standards emphasized by the Obama administration. Without it, Maine won’t be eligible for new federal education grants.

And the governor deserves credit for investing in energy conservation and weatherization, saving resources, money and jobs. In a similar vein, his latest initiative, “Keep ME Well” promises to provide valuable tools to help individual Mainers protect and improve their own health.

As they always are, this State of the State was a political address and not everyone agrees with the governor’s priorities. Baldacci received an ovation from Republicans in the chamber when he promised to oppose any tax increase. And he was applauded by Democrats when he defended a state law shifting some of the tax burden onto small businesses and the hospitality industry.

Receiving cheers from both sides of the aisle must be encouraging, but it is also a reminder that the actual accomplishments of this legislative session will be determined by politics. Despite the applause lines in the governor’s address, Democrats may have good arguments why taxes must rise, and Republicans may persuade voters that the latest attempt at tax reform should not stand.

At this moment, let’s call the State of the State a pretty good speech, and hope the governor is right in his prediction that “the next chapter in Maine’s history will be one of resurgence, growth and opportunity.”

— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven at nickc@journaltribune.com or City Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski at kristenm@journaltribune.com.