The First Chair
The View from Behind the State Governmental Curtain
The Story From A Different Perspective
For decades, the machinery of state government has operated in the shadows — decisions made behind closed doors, power brokered in hallways the public never sees. Richard J. Chivaro was there. Now he's telling the story from his perspective as viewed from the First Chair.
Richard J. Chivaro
The First Chair
The View from Behind the State Governmental Curtain
"Power is never where they tell you it is. It lives in the room next door — the one with no nameplate."
— The First Chair
A rare, unvarnished account of how state government actually works — not the civics-class version, but the real machinery of influence, compromise, and consequence. Drawing on years of firsthand experience at the highest levels of state government, Chivaro reveals the unwritten rules, the hidden hierarchies, and the moments that shaped policy for millions.
The unwritten rules that govern every decision
Who really holds power — and how they keep it
The moments history almost went a different way
Why This Book Matters
The Real Decision-Makers
Elected officials are often the last to know. Chivaro exposes the staff, advisors, and behind-the-scenes operators who shape policy before it ever reaches a vote.
How Deals Are Actually Made
Forget the public record. The real negotiations happen in corridors, parking lots, and private dinners — and the outcomes are decided long before any public hearing.
The Moments That Changed Everything
Pivotal decisions that altered the course of state policy — and the human stories behind them that have never been told publicly, until now.
Richard J. Chivaro
Author & Former Chief Counsel
Richard J. Chivaro spent years at the center of state government, serving in roles that gave him unparalleled access to the inner workings of power. He witnessed firsthand how decisions were made, how influence was wielded, and how the public narrative was carefully managed.
The First Chair is his account of what he saw — a candid, unflinching look at the machinery of government that most citizens never see and few insiders dare to describe.
Former Senior State Government Official
Decades of firsthand experience in state policy
Trusted voice on government accountability
Preorders Start on November 2, 2026
An insiders look at what really happens behind closed doors
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