FDIC Federal Register Citations

FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF CANTON, TEXAS

September  16, 2004

Mr. Robert E. Feldman
Executive Secretary
Attention: Comments/Legal ESS
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
550 17th St. NW
Washington, DC  20429

Re: Community Reinvestment, RIN Number 3064-AC50;
Proposal to Expand Eligibility for the Streamlined CRA Exam

Dear Robert E. Feldman:

As a community banker, I join my fellow community bankers throughout the nation in strong support of the FDIC's proposal to increase the asset size limit of banks eligible for the streamlined small-bank CRA examination. I also strongly support the elimination of the separate holding company qualification.

The proposal will greatly alleviate unnecessary paperwork and examination burden without weakening our commitment to reinvest in our communities. Reinvesting in our communities is something we do everyday as a matter of good business. My community bank will not long survive if my local community doesn't thrive, and that means my bank must be responsive to community needs and promote and support community and economic development.

CRA activists who think otherwise are simply ill informed, misguided, and "out of touch" with reality.

Sincerely,
Ben M. Shirey, II
President/CEO
First National Bank of Canton, Canton, TX