State Teachers Retirement System of OhioMay 9, 2003 Jonathan G. Katz VIA EMAIL: rule-comments@sec.gov
RE: File No. S7-10-03 Dear Secretary: I am the Executive Director of the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio ("STRS Ohio"). STRS Ohio is responsible for investing the pension plan assets for Ohio's public school teachers. We invest on behalf of over 308,000 active and inactive teacher members throughout the State of Ohio and pay benefits to over 105,000 retired teachers. STRS Ohio and its Board very strongly believe that equal access to corporate proxy materials is of significant importance for shareholders who wish to run alternative candidates for board seats and have a meaningful voice in a company's governance. The current system which requires shareholders to lead expensive, and often litigious, proxy contests is badly in need of reform. We urge you to revisit this issue and consider proposing amendments to the rules in order to improve shareholder access to management proxy cards. On behalf of the STRS Ohio Board, our members, and our retirees, I would like to thank you for giving this request serious consideration. If you have any questions, please reply to this Email.
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