Change in the corner; Lawmakers hopeful for a productive session.

• Position: EDITORIAL - Editorial

COLUMN: IN OUR OPINION

The Massachusetts legislative session is yet young, but there are encouraging signs that lawmakers have taken to heart the themes of collaboration and shared responsibility sounded by Gov. Deval L. Patrick.

Indeed, at the annual legislative breakfast of the Corridor Nine Area Chamber of Commerce in Westboro yesterday, the spirit of bipartisan cooperation was palpable.

State Sen. Harriette L. Chandler already sees signs of closer executive-legislative ties. Until the arrival of the new administration this month, the Worcester Democrat said, she never had set foot in the governor's office.

In one sense, the change in the corner office may benefit the minority party, too. As state Rep. Karyn E. Polito said, after 16 years with Republican governors setting the agenda, GOP lawmakers now have an opportunity to step up and take a leadership role.

There was bipartisan agreement that state finances will be among the top concerns, although state Rep. George N. Peterson Jr., R-Grafton, suggested talk of a $1 billion deficit is premature. "It's not a deficit until we see what the budget is and how it matches up with the revenue," he said, adding that even a modest 4 percent increase from the $19 billion-plus collected last year means revenue growth approaching $800 million.

State Rep. Harold P. Naughton Jr. agreed revenues would rise, but noted fiscal balance could be upset by "three...