CGS to close doors

After nearly 30 years of being on the cutting edge of campaign reform and political ethics issues, the Center for Governmental Studies announced Thursday it is closing its doors, a victim of the national economy.
"It's been coming for some time," said Bob Stern, president of the organization which has been involved in all major campaign reform issues in the past 30 years, including the city Ethics Commission, the California Commission on Campaign Financing, the California Channel and numerous other projects.
Stern and Tracy Westen began the center in 1983 and over the years worked to develop a number of reforms, with the goal of improving public awareness and knowledge of the political system.
Stern said the foundations they relied on for financial support were unable to continue to provide the funding needed to continue their work.
He said the staff at CGS will be completing their projects before closing down for good. The organization's website, cgs.org, will continue to be available with all its reports and information.
Stern said he will continue to work in the field as a consultant and expert witness. Weston plans to continue his work on government reform.