TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey's hospitalized governor has been getting more than the usual wishes for a speedy recovery from his highway crash. He's been getting lectures too: Slow down, and buckle up!
Nearly 1,000 e-mails have poured in since Gov. Jon S. Corzine was critically injured when his state trooper-driven SUV crashed on the Garden State Parkway April 12, spokesman Brendan Gilfillan said.
Most have been positive, but a few have chided the 60-year-old governor for not wearing his seat belt, as required by state law, and for the SUV's speed.
"Hope you'll wear your seat belt next time and will exercise better judgment in allowing your driver to speed 91 mph at the time of the crash," a writer who identified himself as Dr. Anthony wrote.
"Please, please, please, when you are finally able to, please urge everyone to wear seat belts and drive at reasonable speeds," said another writer, who signed his note, John.
A few others cut the governor some slack.
"Get well soon, and frankly who cares if your driver was speeding or if you did/did not have your seat belt on," Lisa wrote. "Let the person who has NEVER committed a traffic violation cast the first stone."
Gilfillan said the governor received 942 e-mails in the first week.
"The governor's family and staff have been overwhelmed by the support shown by those contacting the governor's office," he said. "It's a remarkable outpouring, and it's a truly touching show of kindness."
Corzine was upgraded to stable condition Monday and moved out of intensive care at a Camden hospital, where he is expected to remain for at least another week. Corzine broke his left leg, 11 ribs, his sternum and his collarbone in the crash. State Senate President Richard J. Codey is filling in as acting governor.
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