'Telluride — Telluride Town Council members have voted 6-1 to call for the impeachment of President Bush and Vice President Cheney.

If the measure survives a second reading Aug. 7, it would become the town's official position.

Community leaders said they had endured criticism from near and far following last week's vote, but at least one council member said that was because people do not understand the town's home-rule municipality.

Andrea Benda said the town has two choices whenever citizens initiate an ordinance: adopt it, or put it on the ballot.

With liberal voters outnumbering conservatives 5-to-1 in Telluride, Benda said she did not think it was necessary for the impeachment issue to become part of local campaigning this fall.

Telluride Tourism Board executive Scott McQuade said the town was no stranger to controversy, and he didn't see the matter becoming a major issue.

McQuade said he understood that some people would not agree with the measure, but said people who don't approve of Telluride the way it is might want to stay away so they don't end up being disappointed.'