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EGACY
INSIDE What’s your plan for your death? - 3
Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.
WEDNESDAYS • April 22, 2015
Richmond & Hampton Roads
LEGACYNEWSPAPER.COM • FREE
Police, officials resign after town elects first black female mayor
Most of the police force and several officials resigned after the small town of Parma, Missouri elected its first African American woman as mayor, according to local televised reports. Tyrus Byrd, a former city clerk, was officially sworn in as mayor last week after beating incumbent Randall Ramsey. Ramsey had served as mayor of Parma for 37 years under two terms. The outgoing mayor said five of the city’s six police officers submitted their resignation, citing “safety concerns.” Parma’s city attorney, clerk and water treatment supervisor also quit. Some Parma residents say they aren’t worried about safety now that the police force has shrunk. “I think it’s pretty dirty they all quit without giving her a chance,” resident Martha Miller said in local reports. “But I don’t think they hurt the town any by quitting, because who needs six police for 740 people.” At her swearing in ceremony, Byrd said that she is looking to getting things in order for the city. Some say they’re relieved about the situation and that Parma doesn’t have that many problems in town to require so many officers. “They say we have six cops on the payroll. How can we have six cops and we go days without cops patrolling and we have these recent break-ins?” asked one Parma resident. Mayor Tyrus Byrd began her first
It’s business as usual for new Parma, MO Mayor Tyrus Byrd, 2nd left. day in office with a clean slate. Literally. Mayor Byrd said the resignation letters cannot be found and that the computers were cleared. “We needed somebody young and energetic to help our town and that is what we need,” said one Parma resident.
As for why the police and three other city employees resigned, Mayor Byrd is still trying to figure that out. She said she is receiving outside help from other communities and folks are reaching out to help their town rebound. Some residents agree the city needs the help.
“Just ready to get the town back to the way it was, back to the flow of business,” said another Parma resident. The mayor said her experience as city clerk years ago will help. As for when the vacant positions will be filled, it’s unclear at this time.