Tyrus Byrd is the new mayor of Parma, Mo.

She’s the town’s first African-American female mayor.

She also is having to start governing without the aid of some senior city officials and some police officers, who quit shortly after Byrd took office.

http://www.kfvs12.com/Clip/11389937/some-police-city-officials-resign-after-new-parma-mayor-elected#.VTQ3WwbrBpI.twitter

What gives here? What in the world did the new mayor say during her campaign that would cause such a tempest?

And is it fair to ask if the issues are related mainly — if not exclusively — to the race of the new mayor?

There. I’ve just asked it.