Laurie McClain/Socially Responsive Investing
132 East Broadway, Suite 501, Eugene, OR 97401     541/686-1908     www.mcclainsri.com

June 9, 2003

Mr. Jonathan G. Katz, Secretary
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20549-0609

Re: S7-10-03 and SEC Release #34-47778

Dear Secretary Katz:

My firm, Laurie McClain Socially Responsive Investments, submits the following comments in response to the Securities and Exchange Commission's solicitation of views concerning shareholder proxy access and the election of corporate directors (File Number S7-10-03). I represent 250 clients, all of whom are concerned about corporate governance issues.

We are encouraged by the Commission's efforts to revitalize discussions concerning shareholders' access to the proxy ballot, and feel that a review of existing rules concerning the election of directors is long overdue. The significant lack of shareholder access to the corporate proxy -- and the self-perpetuating board that results -- is an enormous obstacle to preventing corporate abuse and restoring investor confidence.

Access to the proxy is one of the most significant reforms the Commission could undertake to make boards more accountable for their actions. At present, investors need to strengthen the incentives for management to nominate directors that ask the tough questions of executives. That's precisely what was needed at Enron, Tyco, and WorldCom -- where there was a majority of independent directors.

Greater shareholder access to the proxy better aligns the interests of investors with the interests of management; reaffirms that shareholders are the beneficial owners of companies; attempts to rebalance the special interests of top executives when they pervert the system of corporate governance and fiduciary trust; makes it possible for investors to have a more meaningful voice in the governance of corporate affairs; empowers directors to voice opinions and strategies contrary to "groupthink"; and eliminates the confusion of separate proxy ballots.

We recommend the Commission explore the following ideas to provide a more level playing field for investors, and more adequate opportunities for shareholders to both nominate candidates and to solicit support for them with fewer cost burdens and paperwork:

  1. Eliminate section (i)(8) of Rule 240.14a-8, concerning criteria for proposal exclusions on the proxy related to board elections.

  2. An investor or group of investors own at least 1% of shares (in aggregate) in the company, for at least one year, in order to nominate a candidate or candidates. [This standard should be no higher than 3% of shares.] A combination of a 1% threshold plus a minimum number of shareholders who are nominating the candidate should also warrant consideration.

  3. Investors, singly or cumulatively, must nominate less than half of available positions for the Board. If more than half of the nominees are put forward by shareholders, those candidates with the largest aggregate share support behind them should make it to the ballot.

  4. A complete ban on broker votes or uninstructed share voting. However, we support broker votes counting for a quorum, so that the business of the meeting may occur.

  5. Directors should be elected annually. Shareholders should have the right to voice their support or concerns regarding board performance on an annual basis.

  6. Cumulative voting should be used in the election of directors.

  7. All nominees should disclose material familial, professional, and financial relationships to the company and its executives in the nominee statement on the proxy.

  8. The "for" and "withhold" options on the proxy card should be eliminated, and replaced with standard proxy voting options like those for resolutions: "for," "against," and "abstain."

  9. All nominees should be provided equal space with a reasonable number of words to provide background information, a supporting statement, relevant experience, and material relationships to the company. A picture should also be included. The company must present candidates --management's and shareholders' -- in the same consistent manner, length, font, style, etc. Management should not segregate its list of nominees from that of investor nominees, but should note clearly that they are board nominated candidates.

  10. All corporate directors should attend the annual shareholders' meeting. Failure to do so should be reported in the proxy, along with attendance at Board and committee meetings

Investors are now looking to the Commission to bring fairness and balance to director representation. This is an opportunity for the SEC to put meaning back into the term "board independence."

Sincerely,

Laurie McClain

Laurie McClain
Investment Advisor

LMC/sh

Professional Member, First Affirmative Financial Network
Securities offered through a registered representative of Walnut Street Securities, Inc. (WSS), Member, NASD and SIPC. First Affirmative Financial Network, LLC (FAFN) specializes in socially responsible investments and is a registered investment adviser with the SEC. FAFN is not an affiliate or subsidiary of WSS.