From: abwebb@bentonrea.com
Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2002 3:17 PM
To: rule-comments@sec.gov
Subject: File No. S7-36-02



Dear SEC Secretary,

SEC Proxy Rules:

All mutual funds should be required to report proxy votes publically and especially 
to their holders.  They send out quarterly statements, they can also report in these 
mailings as to how they voted and why.  They should also be required to disclose any 
business interests that they may have which could pose a conflict of interest with 
that of the fund holders.


I am writing in support of the SEC's proposed rule to require mutual fund companies 
to disclose how they vote on corporate proxy resolutions, which often deal with issues 
of concern to me.  The recent wave of corporate scandals provides ample evidence that 
corporate America need greater transparency, responsibility and accountability.   

In the absence of public disclosure of proxy policies and proxy voting records, there 
is no way for me to know whether the manager of my mutual fund is acting in a manner 
that reflects my wishes.  As a mutual fund shareholder, I want to know how my mutual 
fund is voting on issues related to executive pay, board make-up and independence, 
global warming and other environmental issues, worker rights, gender discrimination 
and other issues that matter to me.  I want potential conflicts of interest exposed.  
I want to know what principles will guide the mutual fund in determining how it votes 
in corporate proxy contests. 

I believe that as an owner of a mutual fund, I am entitled to know how my proxy is 
being voted. I urge the SEC to stand up for investors and for corporate accountability 
and to vote in favor of the proposed proxy voting rule.


Allen Webb

743 N 61st Ave

West Richland, WA 
99353