Ken Mathew, has been unanimously appointed as the Mayor Pro Tem (Deputy Mayor) of the City of Stafford, Texas. He is the first Indo-American to become a Mayor Pro Tem in the State of Texas.

Mathew, married with two daughters, said, "I want to see a clean and efficient government at all levels. I see before me Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa as my idols."

He added that the defence minister of India also inspired him, "I also see a rare politician, like AK Antony, the current Defense Minister of India, as a living example of what a public servant ought to be."

Mathew, known as soft spoken yet confident person is originally from Mumbai and has done his graduation from University of Bombay, India. He also holds an MBA degree from the University of Detroit.

He is serving his second term on City Council for the City of Stafford. Mathew said he was humbled and honoured to serve the residents of Stafford in his new role as Mayor Pro Tem.

Stafford, a city of approximately 20,000 people is located in Fort Bend County with 20 per cent Asians including 8 per cent Indians.

The Mayor Pro Tem performs the Mayor's duties during the his absence and retains the right to vote on all matters before Council while performing the duties of the Mayor.