July 23, 2007
Dear Chairman Cox: As a concerned investor, I was alarmed to learn that the SEC is considering a proposal to restrict or eliminate one of the most important tools that shareholders like myself can use to make our concerns known to corporate management. I urge you to drop the suggested proposal curtailing investors' right to file advisory resolutions under Rule 14a-8. There issues raised and voted on by shareholders such as myself can have a profound effect on the profitiability and viability in the long term of the corporations. For example attention to energy conservation and environmentally sound practices within corporations which can be spurred by shareholder resolutions will actually yeild a stronger bottom line for the company. Advisory resolutions have proven to be a highly effective way to get management's attention on issues that matter to shareholders. They help to promote improved corporate governance, greater accountability, and more meaningful disclosure. They are a source of important new ideas, and often serve as the starting point for productive dialogue with companies. As an investor, I know that the right of shareholders - even small shareholders - to propose these resolutions has helped the companies I own to become better companies.
Restricting or eliminating advisory shareholder resolutions would be a disastrous step backwards. Please let me know what action you intend to take on this issue.
Yours sincerely,
Bonita Hay