CHARLESTOWN — The Charlestown Citizens Alliance has officially thrown its hat into the political ring –– switching its registration from a ballot advocacy group to a political action committee.

Founded in January 2007 in response to the political upheaval that followed the November 2006 election, the CCA –– as it is commonly known –– is now recruiting a full slate of candidates to run in November.

All five Town Council seats will be up for election, along with two permanent and two alternate seats on the Planning Commission and one seat on the Chariho Regional School Committee.

At least one of the council members, Katharine H. Waterman, has said she will not run for reelection.

Three other council members — President John O. Craig Jr., Vice President James M. Mageau, and Harriet A. Allen — had previously indicated they would not run for reelection.

Yesterday Mageau and Allen left the door open for a possible run.

Councilman Bruce W. Picard hasn’t made any public comments as to whether he intends to run for reelection.

Neither Picard nor Craig could be reached for comment yesterday.

Although the CCA announced the change at the group’s second-annual meeting Saturday, the incorporation papers were filed with the state Board of Elections on March 7 –– two days after the papers were notarized.

The papers list Daniel J. Slattery as president, Milton K. Krantz as vice president, Richard Newton as treasurer and Kallie Jurgens as secretary.

Slattery said the CCA is seeking candidates who oppose any type of casino and advocate for open and transparent government, preservation of the town’s natural resources, responsible development, and fiscal responsibility.

He declined to comment on any potential candidates who had expressed interest — or whether any of the CCA officers were interested in running for any of the open seats –– saying it was too early to declare candidacies.

Those seeking to run must declare their intention to do so from June 23-25.

The group has also posted on its Web site www.charlestowncitizens.org position papers on key issues, including gambling, the environment and taxes.

“CCA plans to be an advocate for candidates (regardless of political party) who share the citizens’ vision for Charlestown and have the character, ethics and leadership qualities to help restore good government,” Slattery said.

“CCA will also actively campaign against anyone whose previous record shows they do not respect the citizens or the citizens’ vision for Charlestown.”

Slattery said the CCA will also campaign against any candidates who “acted as enablers to help” members of the current council pursue the agendas of special-interest groups rather than the citizens’ will.

To that end, the group is hoping to spend $10,000 –– $1,000 per seat up for election.

As of March 31, the group’s account stood at $3,826.77, according to financial filings with the state.

marmenta@projo.com