BUTTE — The war in Iraq will be over soon, if the Butte-Silver Bow council of commissioners has its way.

In an 8-4 vote Wednesday night the council approved a resolution calling for the end of combat and increased funding for veterans’ programs.

More than a dozen supporters showed up to the meeting, holding signs reading “Peace Presence.” Commissioners Glen Granger, Wally Frasz, John Sorich and Cindi Shaw voted against the resolution.

In support of the resolution, Commissioner Dave Coleman said the vote will “put America back on course.”

“A yes vote means action by the U.S. government for the development and adoption of a plan for effective turnover to the Iraqi government,” he said.

“A no vote on this really will mean more of the same; more American causalities in Iraq.”

Shaw said the resolution is beyond the scope of the commissioners’ jobs.

“The venue that we’re using right now is not correct,” she said. “We’re using the wrong venue by using county government as a sounding board for an emotionally charged issue.” Shaw said commissioners should “stay on track” and spend time dealing with issues that affect the local community.

After the resolution passed, Chief Executive Paul Babb criticized what he called a “lack of respect” by some resolution supporters.

“It is ironic to me we have a person who sits in the audience and holds up a peace sign and then comes to council and tries to pick a fight,” he said.

“If you’re going to hold a peace sign out there, you should be willing to stand by that.”

The resolution will now be sent to President Bush, the state’s Congressional delegation and Butte-Silver Bow representatives in the Montana Senate and House of Representatives.