The race matter reached its peak of controversy late last month when Spano, at a League of Women Voters of Westchester debate, said he thought much of the opposition to the housing settlement — what he dubbed as code words like economics, zoning and home rule — were really covers for racism.

Astorino jumped all over that and demanded an apology; none was forthcoming.

via Astorino ousts Spano in Westchester County Executive race | LoHud.com | The Journal News.

So what is the reason for the opposition to affordable housing initiatives in general? I’ve seen this opposition in Westchester for the longest but I’ve also been aware of it in places like Montgomery County, MD. I don’t think the outgoing County Executive is that far off the mark. I think a lot of it has to do with class more than race however. People are scared of what they don’t know about which is sad but the reality.