WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Communications. November 26, 2007:    County Executive Andy Spano said that a cross burning incident that took place on Thanksgiving Eve should bring the community together to abhor such acts, and not be used as an opportunity to escalate bigotry.

        A Cortlandt family found a cross burning on their lawn Wednesday night and were the victims of a second act of vandalism yesterday. Although Westchester County Police share police jurisdiction in the town, the incident is being investigated as a hate crime by State Police.

      “In this season where peace is the watchword, it is particularly disheartening to see this type of incident,’’ said Spano. “Westchester is known across the nation as a diverse community where tolerance is placed above all else, and I was happy to see so many people in the community come forward to support this family. I have one word for those who would use this incident to stir up more anger: Don’t.’’

            Spano said that he has asked his African-American community liaison to reach out to the family to offer his support.

          “Bigotry has no place in Westchester,’’ he said. “Our diversity is our greatest strength.’’