August 30, 2007
Dear Chairman Cox:
As a concerned investor, I am alarmed that the SEC has issued rules that could curtail or eliminate the ability of shareholders like myself to raise important issues with corporate management. I urge you to not curtail investors' rights to file advisory resolutions under Rule 14a-8.
Advisory resolutions play a vital role in encouraging corporations to be responsive to their owners. They help to promote improved corporate governance, greater accountability, and more meaningful disclosure. As a shareholder myself, I have voted for many shareholder-sponsored resolutions that have been designed to change the management of these companies. I have felt that there would be no pressure on many large corporations to pay attention to issues of environment and social responsibility were it not for these resolutions.
Any actions that would restrict or eliminate advisory shareholder resolutions would be a disastrous step backwards. Please let me know what action you intend to take on this issue.
Yours sincerely,
Judith Vanderryn