I just received a letter from "OUR Washington," located at 132 S.W. 153rd St. #201 in Burien, WA 98166.

The letter says, "Organization United for Reform (OUR) Washington was started by others like us, low to moderate income families that came together and made a commitment to work for better schools, neighborhoods, housing, utility reform and other issues important to our families."

It says OUR Washington is a new organization. It says the reader must come (it is underlined) to a luncheon and/or fill out an attached membership form to become a charter member.

Of particular concern is a slip asking for the reader's signature so the organization can take money from the reader's bank account on the fifth day of each month. The reader is supposed to attach a voided check or deposit slip to verify their account.

I took one look at the envelope and the appearance of the contents and knew who sent it. A quick check of the phone number, 206-723-5845 verified that it is indeed, once again...ACORN.

A few months ago, I repeatedly contacted ACORN, telling the organization to stop taking money out of my bank account each month.

I left numerous messages on recordings and was always ignored. I finally filed a complaint with the Attorney General and my bank became involved. Looks like they're at it again, only this time, operating under a different name in an office right next to the Burien ACORN location.

I am not impressed with any organization that misrepresents itself. If you are ACORN...just say so! Anyone can do a reverse search of your phone number and know your true identity.

If you are going to claim to be a "new" organization and attempt to con people, at least have the smarts to not use the ACORN phone number! This appears as once again, more of your shady practices.

I would caution readers to not sign this form to allow deductions in the form of "Membership Dues" to be withdrawn from bank accounts.
Once you do, these people will not stop. I learned the hard way, when I agreed to give -- believing I would make my community a better place.

Joy Henley
Former Burien resident