From: James van Luik
Sent: August 10, 2006
To: rule-comments@sec.gov
Subject: File No. S7-03-04

SEC Chairman Christopher Cox

Dear SEC Chairman Cox,

Dear SEC Chairman Christopher Cox:

As many of us know mutual funds are an increasingly important savings vehicle for tens of millions of working Americans like myself. We are the owners of these funds and we bear the risks if they are dominated by self-interested insiders. We look to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to protect us. I am writing to you, Chairman Cox, to express my strong support for the proposed rule requiring that mutual fund boards have an independent chairperson and at least 75 percent independent directors. These excellent rules were among the most important reforms adopted by the SEC in the wake of the mutual fund trading and sales abuse scandals.

Requiring independent directors and chairpersons will help ensure this safeguard for all mutual fund investors.

Best Wishes, James van Luik POB 291 Keene NH 03431-0291

Sincerely,

James van Luik