Gov. John Baldacci’s State of the State speech struck the right tone – it was timely, sober, thoughtful and comprehensive. The governor neither glossed unfortunate realities nor offered empty platitudes. He spoke plainly, like someone who knows the score.

It was the speech Maine needed – unvarnished, uplifting and honest. Gov. Baldacci put his agenda forward, ending legislative limbo about where he falls on the economy, education, health care and energy.

His position was clear on all four. The concern now is filling these notions with legislation, to capitalize on the state’s immense potential and overcome the significant challenges Maine faces going forward.

Energy was the chief issue for the chief executive. The governor’s broad commitment to energy issues, such as transmission, energy independence, weatherization and efficiency funding is laudable, but translating intentions into actions will prove challenging.

While there is legislative support for consolidating energy under one roof, the fractured nature of current efforts, through a spate of agencies, will mean upsetting some Augusta apple carts. It must be done to make energy efficiency live up to its name as policy, and as programs.

And try as we might to believe the state will weatherize every Maine home, as the governor said, this strikes us as a promise that cannot be filled. Will the state really move to weatherize every seasonal camp and cottage, slopeside condo, oceanside vacation home and abandoned heap?

Better yet, should it?

Weatherization needs more than this blanket claim. A more rational plan must emerge, which ensures Maine homes and Maine homeowners who need the most help will get it first.

Most heartening was Gov. Baldacci putting money behind energy efficiency. His partnership with banks for providing $100 million for energy projects is needed, as the great deficiency Maine had during the recent oil spike was an unavailability of resources to help cope.

These funds should ideally be spread to have the maximum impact, to allow Maine property owners and businesses to invest in diverse and efficient forms of heating, and attack the state’s over-dependence on petroleum to provide warmth during long, cold winters.

On health care, we applaud Baldacci’s promise to repay hospitals for MaineCare and plans for bringing more medical education into the state, to bolster care and access to it. Our lone gripe is local – having teaching hospitals in Portland and Bangor make us in L-A feel left out.

The governor’s commitment to school consolidation was also gratifying. He faces a stiff battle, however, from the repeal movement. A collision course is set.

Two things unmentioned in the speech also garnered attention: DirigoHealth and tax reform.

Neither was discussed. It makes us wonder where they stand.

Nevertheless, this was a good speech. The governor, in his last term, left little to uncertainty and went far to prop the hopes of a leery state. Now the hard work begins. There’s much to do.

Gov. Baldacci must be up to the task.