Yaroslavsky Quick to Take Budget Reins

When Los Angeles County Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1994 to represent most of the San Fernando Valley, as well as the Westside and Hollywood, the county was in the midst of what had become a regularly occurring budget crisis.

With Yaroslavsky taking an active role in budgeting matters, the county was able to win a measure of reprieve when President Clinton granted a $364-million bailout for the county’s health-care system.

In his two years on the board, Yaroslavsky--the current chairman of the Board of Supervisors--has also led efforts to rebuild the earthquake- damaged San Fernando Courthouse and Mid-Valley Comprehensive Health Center in Van Nuys.

Before serving as a county representative, Yaroslavsky served 19 years on the Los Angeles City Council. He graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in history and economics in 1971 and received a master’s degree in history in 1972.

In addition to his expertise in budget matters, Yaroslavsky has gained a reputation as a protector of the environment, sponsoring voter-approved measures that have created more parkland and banned coastal oil drilling.

Last year, Yaroslavsky helped draft Proposition B, a tough campaign reform measure that limits the amount of money candidates can accept while running for county office.