I am writing to clarify something for your readers who will be voting in the elections on Nov. 8: Chris Coutu is not running for office in 2011. So please don't go into your voting booth looking for his name.

I understand how those of who you live or travel on routes 12 or 32 might be under the impression that Coutu is running this year, based on the numerous campaign signs he has placed along those routes. Please know that he is not.

But in an incredibly disrespectful move to the hundreds of municipal candidates who do the hard work in your communities - the town councilors, mayors, first selectmen, and board of education members - Coutu has decided to get a jump on his 2012 campaign by distracting voters from this year's election.

I urge you to ignore (though it's hard, I know) Coutu's obnoxious signs, and instead concentrate on the folks in your local government, who make the decisions that most affect the day-to-day lives of you and your children, including your children's education, road maintenance, emergency response, zoning laws, trash pickup, etc.

Local government is the most important for your daily lives. Coutu doesn't get that. Voters do. So please vote in your local elections Nov. 8. But not for Coutu.