From: bhmedia1@aol.com
Sent: Monday, December 02, 2002 11:05 AM
To: rule-comments@sec.gov
Subject: File No. S7-36-02



Dear SEC Secretary,

Providing investors with information that enables them the greatest opportunity 
to understand the business they are owners of supports America and the traditions 
we are trying to protect and encourage.  Because of my strong feelings about this, 
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.

Sincerely, Robert D. Helmuth


Bob Helmuth

6700 Paiute Avenue

Niwot, CO 
80503