From: Tony Lappas [tony_lappas@choicehotels.com]
Sent: Monday, March 29, 2004 1:34 PM
To: rule-comments@sec.gov
Subject: S7-19-03

Dear Sir or Madam;
 
I would strongly urge you to rule in favor of S7-19-03.  Strengthening the rights 
of shareholders is an important component to improving corportate governance.  
Too many boards are occupied by close personal friends of the CEO's, time to have 
strong responsible leadership in those positions to protect the rights of all 
shareholders, not just a few large insiders.
 
Sincerely,
 
Anthony Lappas
Silver Spring, Maryland