The governor recuperates
Physicians are attributing Gov. Jon Corzine's remarkably fast recovery from a devastating car accident as a testament to luck, determination, and a willingness to face the pain of a grueling rehabilitation regimen. Only 17 days after a high-speed car accident in which he suffered severe leg and chest injuries – including 11 days in intensive care – the governor was released from the hospital and resumed his official duties.
By most accounts, Corzine considers himself a new man since the accident – certainly wiser about wearing a seatbelt and possibly less patient when it comes to political infighting.
Lawmakers in both parties likely are ready to test his resolve on a host of issues – on sales taxes, property tax relief, and the details of the budget. Perhaps sympathy for his plight will keep Corzine's adversaries from taking their gloves off. But this is New Jersey, and no doubt the governor himself will signal when he is ready to hit back, crutches and all.
It is presumptuous for outsiders to see silver linings in Corzine's accident, but one hopes that he is able to direct his considerable energy into the business of running the state – instead of running around it. Lacking a lieutenant governor, New Jersey puts an uncommon burden on its chief executives, demanding that they rush from event to event, from ribbon-cutting to rubber-chicken dinners, when they could and should be focusing on the tough policy decisions that must be made and carried out.
The Jewish community has a big stake in the budget battles ahead. We can only wish the governor a r'fua shleima – a complete healing – and the strength to say yes to the debates citizens care about and no to the things that will distract him from governing.
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