The public packed the Duluth City Council chambers this morning and spilled out into the hallway to give state legislators their reaction to Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposed budget.
Of the 85 people signed up to speak, some were some of the city's best-known leaders, while others were regular citizens. But most said the budget was the wrong direction to take.
"I have never seen such a serious underfunding of the judicial branch," said Cindy Stratioti, the St. Louis County Court administrator.
Potential cuts to health-care services also could be incredibly damaging, others said.
"The cuts that you're putting forward are unattainable," said John Strange, CEO of St. Luke's.
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Some of the solutions suggested, such as those by County Commissioner Steve O'Neil, included raising taxes on cigarette and liquor sales.
Others wanted to see a tax increases on the state's highest earners.
"Balance the budget between the poor and the wealthy," said Kenneth Bruner, a Duluth resident who was at the listening session.
