No one can accuse the new governor of hiding in the ivory tower. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has been a man on the move since his inauguration just a few weeks ago. He is choosing to deliver a painful message in person. The state ignored its growing fiscal problems for too long and his tough-medicine formula is a mix of tax hikes, program reductions and pay and benefit concessions from state workers.

On Monday Gov. Malloy brought his "road show" to the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa in Groton, where he addressed a breakfast meeting of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. He encountered a crowd skeptical about his proposed tax increases ($1.5 billion in the coming fiscal year), excited by his push to sink $15 million into tourism promotion, though worried about the details (eliminating tourism districts), and interested in his plans to consolidate state agencies.

Most significantly, however, they seemed energized to have the governor visiting business leaders in eastern Connecticut and talking about the need for job growth.

In addition to restoring fiscal sanity, Gov. Malloy said his administration will use tax incentives and other tools to aggressively solicit new businesses and encourage business expansion.

"Connecticut is open for business," Gov. Malloy said, repeating what has become his theme.

In a meeting with The Day Editorial Board, also Monday, the president and CEO of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association, John R. Rathgeber, said Gov. Malloy's aggressive promotion of the state, his willingness to seek the ideas of business leaders and his efforts to streamline economic development operations in state government are a welcomed break from the past administration. "The attitude change is significant," he said.

We agree. But we also agree with Mr. Rathgeber's observation that Gov. Malloy must hang tough with his Democratic legislature and insist that it follow through on his "shared sacrifice" promise to reduce state labor spending and rein in costs. If not, the pro-business rhetoric will ring hollow.

Between now and April 6 Gov. Malloy plans 16 more town hall-style meetings (the first took place Monday in Bridgeport) to make his case and answer questions. On March 2 he appears at Jennings Elementary School, 50 Mercer St., New London, and on March 9 at Norwich City Hall. Both events begin at 7 p.m.

We applaud the governor's willingness to engage the public.