From: Buzz Brewer
Sent: May 24, 2006
To: rule-comments@sec.gov
Subject: File No. S7-03-04

SEC Chairman Christopher Cox

Dear SEC Chairman Cox,

I urge the SEC to require an independent chairperson on mutual fund boards. Too often mutual funds are designed to enrich fund insiders and management. The role of independent directors is critical to ensure the protection of small, individual directors.

A recent study by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees and the Corporate Library found that mutual funds provide a rubber stamp for excessive management pay, supporting over three-quarters of all management pay proposals.
Ninety percent of institutional investors think the current system overpays executives. Independent directors are needed to stand up to the excesses of the money managers.

Please do what you can to require boards of directors to act in the shareholders interest and stop giving our profits to overpaid executives.

The Investment Company Act requires that mutual funds be managed in the interests of their shareholders. Requiring independent directors and chairpersons will help ensure this safeguard for the small investor, to make sure the little person gets a fair shake.

Sincerely,

Buzz Brewer