Jul. 31--TWO WORDS -- cautious and cool -- describe Sean Parnell, Alaska's new governor. Those who know him say Parnell is the antithesis of Sarah Palin, who he replaced July 27.

She is known for flashy sound bites and warm smiles. He is friendly but chooses his words carefully.

In a brief acceptance speech in Fairbanks, where the transition ceremony took place, Parnell pledged to continue Palin's policies, particularly with a proposed Alaska natural gas pipeline, and to support her efforts to bring gas from the North Slope to Alaska communities in southern Alaska through a smaller 24-inch gas pipeline.

"State government can help produce an economic climate ripe for job creation," he said. "We have an enormous economic opportunity that is closer than ever with credible entities pursuing a gas pipeline. Two and a half year ago, these efforts were high-centered. Our goal is to continue Governor Palin's policies to put Alaskans first," in development of the state's natural resources.

Parnell said he would keep all of Palin's cabinet officials.

So far, business and legislative leaders are pleased with Parnell, and are hopeful for better lines of communication than they had with Palin.

"He's reaching out, and that's a refreshing change," said Rep. Mike Hawker, R-Anchorage, who is co-chair of the House Finance Committee.

Hawker said Parnell came to see him and spent two hours talking through a range of major issues.

"He shares my concerns on most of them," Hawker said. A major focus for Parnell seems to be on domestic violence and public safety, "but the budget is his immediate priority. He has to have his own budget ready for the Legislature by Dec. 15."

The good news is that Parnell's past familiarity with budget issues means he will hit the ground running in preparation of the budget, Hawker said.

Jason Brune, executive director of the Resource Development Council, said Parnell called RDC a few days after Palin announced she would resign and asked to meet with RDC's board.

"He initiated the meeting, and he made the call himself. He showed up by himself, without staff," Brune said.

Topics discussed covered the gamut of Alaska businesses, including tourism, timber, mining, fisheries and oil and gas, Brune said. Issues were discussed only in general terms, but Parnell was informed and showed a willingness to listen and learn.

Parnell's immediate concern is likely to be with the state budget, which is running a deficit due to low oil prices.