Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Name Games - Conflicts of Interest

Name changes for organizations, partnerships, and corporations mislead consumers and the general public. A business name change does not correct patterns of unethical or illegal conduct. It can, however, protect abusive individuals in powerful positions. (See links of interests in left-hand column, below.)

For example, Rockland Place Apartments added a name change of Spring Gate. More partners were brought in and more government funds were had. Of course, this was all in the guise of helping low-income residents, who grew even more distressed with poorly planned, unnecessary, and shoddy renovations. This 204-unit HUD subsidized housing complex still has the same legal firm, deceptive business practices, property manager, maintenance, breaches, etc. as the previous name(s) used. So, what was really resolved here?

Some recent stories about Acorn, remind me of some of the deceptive business practices of Rockland Place dba Spring Gate.... (Or maybe I should say Cornerstone Corp. dba First Hartford Realty Corp.)? For crying aloud, it's like a mild case of PTSD dba ADHD!

After numerous fraud allegations, Acorn, or more formally, Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, changed their name to Community Organizations International. Because of questionable business practices, their name may have been tarnished some. Other than a name change, will their methods of doing business remain?

Acorn and Rockland Place are not the same organization, but have much in common:
a. Many of the same individuals remain in powerful positions after business name changes.
b. Both receive government funds, including millions in grants from H.U.D.
c. Both are accused of illegal conduct.
d. Both are politically involved and connected.
e. Both are non-profit and claim to help those in poverty.
f. Both are accused of attempting to silence and intimidate critics.
*Newsmax - Acorn Investigations
**bridgetdgms - acorn drops tarnished name
***Washington Examiner - ACORN, Threat
****Rotten Acorn - by the EPI

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