From: Elizabeth Elsing [elsingbard@earthlink.net]
Sent: Friday, November 01, 2002 8:15 PM
To: rule-comments@sec.gov
Subject: Mutual Fund Disclosure ruling - File No. S7-36-02

I am writing in support of the SEC's proposed rule (File No. S7-36-02) to
require mutual fund companies to disclose how they vote on corporate proxy
resolutions, which often deal with issues of concern to me.  The recent wave
of corporate scandals provides ample evidence that corporate America need
greater transparency, responsibility and accountability.  It is estimated that
mutual funds, which represent about 90 million Americans, account for 20
percent of proxy votes at corporate shareholder meetings. As such, mutual
funds can play a major role in insisting on more responsible behavior on the
part of publicly traded companies.

In the absence of public disclosure of proxy policies and proxy voting
records, there is no way for me to know whether the manager of my mutual
fund is acting in a manner that reflects my wishes.  As a mutual fund
shareholder, I want to know how my mutual fund is voting on issues related
to executive pay, board make-up and independence, global warming and other
environmental issues, worker rights, gender discrimination and other issues
that matter to me.  I want potential conflicts of interest exposed.  I want
to know what principles will guide the mutual fund in determining how it
votes in corporate proxy contests.

I believe that as an owner of  mutual funds, I am entitled to know how my
proxy is being voted. I urge the SEC to stand up for investors and for
corporate accountability and to vote in favor of the proposed proxy
voting rule.

I cannot emphasize enough how deeply this issue affects me in my investment
decisions.  My confidence in the markets has been so shattered that I have not
made any further investments in specific equities and I am waiting for better
opportunities to lighten up in those I do own.  As far as mutual funds go, my
investment decisions will depend greatly on this pending decision.

Sincerely,

David S. Bard
3810 Black Forest Lane
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
(714)779-2614