From: LonAustin1@aol.com Sent: Wednesday, March 31, 2004 12:54 AM To: rule-comments@sec.gov Subject: S7-19-03 I support the SEC proposed rules changes to allow shareholders to place nominate director candidates for board positions on company proxy ballots. I believe this should be the right of the shareholders, the true owners of the business, and do not believe it should be "triggered" by some event of malfeasance on the part of the existing board of directors. I believe that such action will result in boards being more responsible to the shareholder's interests and will curtail the board from acting in its own "best" interests, to the detriment of the shareholder and the company itself. In particular, the shareholder would gain some control and oversight in determination of compensation, "golden parachute" arrangements, and generous "perks" paid out to executives and board members alike. Albert A. Austin 923 Hisel Road Del City, OK. 73115