Corbett emerges … Local impact fees not far behind.

Saying he was “surprised” at the reaction of Penn State to his calls for 50 percent in state spending cuts, Gov. Tom Corbett’s interview and editorial board meeting at Philadelphia’s 6ABC did nothing if not further frame his mindset for the viewing audience. Still adamant about not using the “T” word, Corbett continued to trot out his new consideration for “local impact fees (aka “taxes”)” when it comes to shale natural gas drilling in the state.

It allows him to keep his no-taxes campaign pledge and base intact. It still does little to win over detractors.

The governor held court in an off-the-record briefing with the news team during a series of stops in Philadelphia. At least one briefing attendee said there were plenty of tough questions, from public reception to his policies to his hardcore approach to letting the shale industry drill away, tax-free — as well as ” a bit of tap dancing.”

Despite recent reports of his handling of the media, the “gutsy Irishman” struck a low-key and reserved tone in his interview with 6ABC’s Tamala Edwards. The exclusive interview will air on Inside Story this Sunday at 11:30A, and can be caught again online after 2P.