Fairfax officials voted unanimously Wednesday night to endorse a local petition calling for the impeachment of President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.

Only a dozen or so people turned out at the Town Council meeting, but those who did railed against the administration for going to war in Iraq, violating constitutional rights and fouling up a host of other issues.

Those sentiments were shared by all four council members at the meeting. Councilman David Weinsoff is on vacation.

"I'm going for this resolution with all of my heart," Councilwoman Mary Ann Maggiore said.

Fairfax's move follows a similar one in Berkeley, where the City Council voted unanimously last week to spend $10,000 and put an impeachment measure on the Nov. 7 ballot. The Fairfax resolution will not go on the ballot.

Millie Barrett, a 33-year Fairfax resident, spearheaded the local impeachment drive against Bush by collecting hundreds of signatures on a petition because she said she wanted to do something more than just attend peace rallies.

"This is a movement spreading throughout the country," Barrett said.

Barrett withdrew her petition Wednesday night in favor of another one penned by Fairfax resident David Glick that included Cheney.

Glick spent five minutes reading the entire resolution, which attacked Bush and Cheney for misleading the country about Iraq, spying on Americans without warrants, torturing prisoners and holding them indefinitely without charges, and deploying national guard troops who could have been used during the Dec. 31 floods that washed through the Ross Valley.

"George W. Bush and Richard B. Cheney, by such conduct, warrant impeachment and trial, and removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States," the resolution reads.

Mayor Susan Brandborg, who put the resolution on the agenda, said there are rumors going around town that she tried to upstage more liberal residents. Brandborg denied the allegation, saying she merely supported Barrett's goal.

"I didn't intend to grandstand," Brandborg said.

Resident Bill Parker said he signed the original petition, but questioned whether the town's vote is worth anything.

He said he called U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey's office and an aide told him Fairfax's resolution wouldn't help the congresswoman. He said the resolution only documents emotion.

"I don't think it helps at all," he said.

Councilman Lew Tremaine defended the town's right to take a stand by saying numerous residents have requested it.

"I don't think there's any question we should vote yes," he said.

Contact Tad Whitaker via e-mail at twhitaker@marinij.com