Changes

In the all-Democrat [[general election]], as permitted under the Louisiana blanket primary law, held on November 2, 1982, Byars handily defeated Branch, 2,642 (57.3 percent) to 1,968 (42.7 percent), despite the editorial posture of the local newspaper. Voters also replaced the police chief, Jim Lee Stanfield (1937-2007), with businessman Chester Adcock (1925-1995), 2,721 (59.5 percent) to 1,852 votes (40.5 percent).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://staticresults.sos.la.gov/11021982/11021982_60.html|title=Louisiana general election returns, November 2, 1982|publisher=staticresults.sos.la.gov|accessdate=May 21, 2013}}</ref> Byars hence assumed the mayor's office on December 31, 1982. He soon ran into problems with the city council. In 1984, the council denied Byars new office furniture and accessories until he could "show where he has the authority to purchase furniture and accessories or show us the items [earmarked] in the budget."<ref name=furn>"Byars will fight council decision", ''Minden Press-Herald'', February 9, 1984, p. 1.</ref> Byars said that the council by its questioning of him had ignored the voters' intent and sought to nullify the last mayoral election.<ref name=furn/>

In the all-Democrat [[general election]], as permitted under the Louisiana blanket primary law, held on November 2, 1982, Byars handily defeated Branch, 2,642 (57.3 percent) to 1,968 (42.7 percent), despite the editorial posture of the local newspaper. Voters also replaced the police chief, Jim Lee Stanfield (1937-2007), with businessman Chester Adcock (1925-1995), 2,721 (59.5 percent) to 1,852 votes (40.5 percent).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://staticresults.sos.la.gov/11021982/11021982_60.html|title=Louisiana general election returns, November 2, 1982|publisher=staticresults.sos.la.gov|accessdate=May 21, 2013}}</ref> Byars hence assumed the mayor's office on December 31, 1982. He soon ran into problems with the city council. In 1984, the council denied Byars new office furniture and accessories until he could "show where he has the authority to purchase furniture and accessories or show us the items [earmarked] in the budget."<ref name=furn>"Byars will fight council decision", ''Minden Press-Herald'', February 9, 1984, p. 1.</ref> Byars said that the council by its questioning of him had ignored the voters' intent and sought to nullify the last mayoral election.<ref name=furn/>

He also quarreled with the council regarding a proposal new city charter, which state Attorney General William J. Guste had urged Minden to approve.<ref>"I'm a firm believer in a new charter", ''Minden Press-Herald'', July 29, 1983, p. 1.</ref>

He also quarreled with the council regarding a proposal for a new city charter, which state Attorney General [[William J. Guste]] had urged Minden to approve.<ref>"I'm a firm believer in a new charter," ''Minden Press-Herald,'' July 29, 1983, p. 1.</ref>

==Reelection in 1986==

==Reelection in 1986==