June 1, 2009
Dear Securities and Exchange Commissioners,
I am taking the time to urge you to act on an important matter to all shareholders.
As a retail shareholder, I was shocked to learn that my blank proxy votes are being turned over to management. When I leave a field blank, I want it to stay blank, not be manipulated by management to mean whatever they would like it to mean. Blank votes should be considered abstentions. To treat them otherwise is pure chicanery.
I support the proposed amendment to Rule 14a-4(b)(1).
Regards,
Alka Gupta