From: Dave Kircher [dkircher1@msn.com]
Sent: Monday, March 08, 2004 11:12 PM
To: rule-comments@sec.gov
Subject: S7-03-04:

Dear Sir/Madam:

I applaud and strongly support the SEC's proposal to provide more independence to 
mutual fund boards and to provide greater representation for the thousands of 
small fund investors, including myself.

As an investor in Fidelity and other funds, I feel that it is essential to provide 
this increased independence.  This change is particularly critical given the 
numerous recent scandals involving fund insiders.

As a regulatory agency, it is important for the SEC to earn and maintain the trust 
of small investors, since we, given the current structure of fund leadership, are 
powerless to have a real influence on the fund managers, short of pulling our 
money out of the fund.

You will hear from fund managers, including Fidelity's Johnson, in opposition to 
your proposal.  In making your final regulatory decision, I urge you to give much 
more weight to the views of fund investors as opposed to those who manage the 
funds currently.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.


David S. Kircher
Seattle, WA