Considering the massive toll the recession has already taken on workplaces throughout the state, it'd be easy to lack sympathy for the situation at Simi Valley City Hall. But maybe we shouldn't.

When news hit this week that nine city positions were being eliminated and the rest taking a 2 percent pay and benefits cut in order to balance this coming fiscal year's budget, there's no doubt a few of you wondered aloud: "Good. We're suffering in the private sector; why shouldn't public employees suffer as well?"

If you were talking about the federal or state government, you'd be spot on. But when government-bashing, it's critical to recognize the difference between what's been going on in Sacramento and Washington, and what happens right here in Simi Valley. Here are three of the biggest misconceptions.

Misconception No. 1: "Government is too big anyway; it should be reduced."

For the past several years, the city of Simi Valley has been operating on a strict hiring freeze, meaning that those who retired or moved into other jobs didn't have their positions filled. Hiring requests have sat untouched for months in the city manager's inbox, as employees are consistently being asked to not only do their jobs more efficiently, but do the job of one, two or even three others as well. The term big government doesn't apply here.

Misconception No. 2: "Government is wasteful and loose with its money. Any spending cut is a good cut."

The city has a long-held fiscally conservative policy of keeping spending in line with estimated revenues. This year, each department was asked to find a way to cut 10 percent from its own budget, and though few were cut that much, all sacrificed in some way to allow the council to pass a balanced budget. Amid all this economic turmoil, it's important to note that the city continues to maintain a rainy-day fund of close to $8 million, thanks in large part to good planning and to city leaders who are responsible enough not to dip into the fund unless it's a certified emergency.

Misconception No. 3: "So who cares if there are layoffs at city hall; it doesn't affect me."

Whether we see it every day or not, all of us benefit from the work done by our local city government. All the way from the police officers keeping the streets safe to those behind the desks crunching the numbers to keep the city financially solvent, these employees do important jobs, and they do them well.

So, while you may not be willing to give them any sympathy, at the very least give the folks working for the city the credit they deserve.