From: jthomas@smdc.org
Sent: Monday, November 11, 2002 8:58 AM
To: rule-comments@sec.gov
Subject: File No. S7-36-02



Dear SEC Secretary,

I am writing in support of the SEC's proposed rule 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 a mutual fund, 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 addition, 
The information boh before and after voting should be available in a format which 
non-bankers and non-finaciers can comprehend.  Since we are supposed active members 
of this group, we should be informed and we should be able to understand the 
information presented.  Thank you.

Jason Thomas
Duluth, MN


Jason Thomas

300 West Michigan Street #706

Duluth, MN 
55802