From: Mark Sorlie [m_sorlie@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, April 29, 2004 4:02 PM
To: rule-comments@sec.gov
Subject: File No. S7-09-04

I believe the elimination of 12b-1 fees would do considerable harm to those
investors who need and want ongoing investment planning advice and counsel. A
significant majority of my clients expect our office to be available and to
respond quickly to a variety of questions regarding their investments. I have
never received complaints from my clients about the small amounts they are
charged for the assistance I provide in helping them address their various
investment and planning questions. My clients expect me to be compensated for
helping them achieve their long-term financial goals. For the above reasons, I
urge the SEC to reject any proposal to eliminate or restrict the ability of
mutual funds to pay 12b-1 fees to registered representatives for providing
continued service to their clients. Thank you for your consideration of my views
on this subject.


Mark Sorlie, CFP, CLU, ChFC
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
Transwestern III Suit e 200
550 N. 31st Street
Billings MT 59101
Phone (406) 248-2610 Fax (406) 259-3422