01:00 AM EDT on Wednesday, August 20, 2008

The Charlestown Citizens Alliance, a political action committee, has endorsed independents Richard H. Hosp, Gregg J. Avedisian and Marjorie F. Frank, and Republicans Forrester C. Safford and Charlene Q. Dunn, for the Town Council.

Alliance president Daniel Slattery said the organization also has endorsed Vic G. Dvorak, Gordon L. Foer, Kathryn M. O’Connor and Katharine H. Waterman for the nonpartisan Planning Commission.

And it has given its nod in House District 36 (Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown and New Shoreham) to independent Matthew J. McHugh over Republican David A. Cote and incumbent Democrat Donna M. Walsh.

The organization plans to hold a meet and greet of its endorsed candidates Tuesday at The Cove Restaurant, in Charlestown, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The group said it endorsed candidates based on their stance on responsive, open government; preserving the natural environment; responsible development; anti-casino gambling; and fiscal responsibility.

The Charlestown Citizens Alliance’s platform is posted on its Web site, www.charlestowncitizens.org/election.html.