By Sienna Shutts
While history typically sees mayors much older than 20, 8-year-old Oliver Mataro defied norms by becoming Mayor for the Day on August 1 in Friendswood.
Mataro, a student of Friendswood ISD, spent a day shadowing Mayor Mike Foreman, a unique experience purchased by his parents at an auction supporting the Friendswood Education Foundation.
Donning his official Mayor polo and neatly combed hair, Mataro started his day at City Hall with Mayor Foreman. In the Council Chambers, City Secretary Lettie Brysch swore him in, after which he jovially declared his intentions to “extend the summer and lower taxes.”
The young mayor’s packed agenda featured an executive staff meeting, interactions with city staff, a City Hall tour, and a filming session with multimedia communications specialist Katy Harris for the Mayor’s Public Service Announcement or “Mayor Mike’s Minute”. He also visited the Fire Marshal’s Office, the Office of Emergency Management, the Police Department, court facilities, and the library. His tenure concluded with a delightful lunch alongside Mayor Foreman.
As Fall approaches, Mataro is set to begin second grade at Windsong Elementary. One of six siblings, Mataro recalls a summer highlight being a visit to Florida’s Portofino Adventure Cove waterpark. When not delving into civic duties, he enjoys video games, swimming, gym sessions, and watching “Adventure Time.” His father, Steven, remains his pillar of strength during challenging times.
While his tenure may have been brief, Mataro will surely go down in Friendswood history as one of its youngest mayors.
