July 29, 2010
I believe that the "reasonable" fees for proxy distribution are excessive, and I believe that allowing market forces to determine these fees could result in substantial savings to companies. I do not see any valid reason for government-stipulated prices for these services, other than to benefit those who are currently able to charge these exorbitant rates.
Additionally, I believe that access to the non-objecting beneficial owner data should be open to competition among trusted stock service providers for the benefit of public companies. My company just recently paid a usurious amount for this information in order to communicate with our shareholders. In my opinion, it is outrageous that a monopoly can essentially charge whatever it wants to provide me with contact information for my own shareholders.