Date:    1/5/98  2:25 PM
Subject: Oppose rule S7-25-97
     
     
To: Arthur Levitt, SEC
     
Dear Mr. Levitt:
     
I urge you to oppose proposed rule S7-25-97, the so-called stockholder gag 
rule.
     
Stockholder initiatives have been a welcome addition to open meetings. Surely 
employment practices are a proper subject of such initiatives.
     
Gag rules are bad public policy. I don't think it is the function or duty of 
the SEC to protect corporate Boards of Directors' decisions about policy 
questions, when the questions are asked by the stockholders. 
     
Sincerely,
     
MARY B. BALLARD
Wayne PA 19087-4815