TAYLOR, Mich. – Police are investigating after threatening messages were left for a Taylor candidate for treasurer.
Amira Garza is running for city treasurer in Taylor. She said she chose to run because of her background in financial banking. She wants to use her experience to do good for her community.
Two threatening messages that were left on Garza’s campaign voicemail were shared with Local 4. The caller made personal attacks on her race, faith, and appearance.
In one voicemail, the caller says, “. . . you said a lot of things about white people, huh?” And then continues, “but you live in our white society and cities and houses built by white people . . .”
After more derogatory comments, the caller says, “We’re following you online. We’re following. Don’t ever talk s--- about white people like that again . . .”
She said that while she wasn’t surprised to be met with this type of hatred, it’s different when you experience it firsthand.
“I received two disgusting, vile, voice messages talking about me in a derogatory way. My appearance, who I am, my faith, my ethnicity, being Arab and Muslim. That they’re following me, and it’s just -- sometimes you’re at a loss of words. I’m not surprised. Because you see the hate, it’s across the country. There’s stories about it all the time, but when it’s you, it’s different. So it’s scary,” Garza said.
In the second voicemail the caller goes on another offensive tangent and also says, “You’re gonna see what’s coming to you . . . You shouldn’t be in this (expletive) country . . . And I will continue following”
City officials told the Local 4 Investigators that while the voicemails are new, the calls are actually part of a weeks-long ongoing investigating into similar issues. Garza said she isn’t going to let the calls disrupt her campaign.
“It’s so sad because I’m trying to do good. I’m trying to put myself out there to do good, to serve the city that I live in. I’m more than qualified to run for this position,” Garza said. “So when I’m met with things like this, it doesn’t feel good. But I’m not gonna let anyone intimidate me.”
Garza said she has a good skillset to bring to the city. Her goals include bringing financial awareness and financial literacy directly to the residents and let them know where their tax dollars are going.
Local 4 reached out to Garza’s opponent, Nick Dragone, for comment and did not hear back.
Anyone with any information about this case should contact the Taylor Police Department at 734-287-6611.