For years, Black women public officials, including myself, have been subjected to harassment, retaliation, and intimidation. Despite consistent reporting of these issues, including alleged malfeasance by Illinois State Representative Thaddeus Jones, the state has taken little action to address them. Our voices deserve the same weight and our complaints the same urgency as those of our white counterparts.

I respectfully urge Illinois House leadership, legislative ethics authorities, and appropriate state officials to conduct a thorough and impartial review of Representative Jones's conduct. The case of Nyota T. Figgs vs. The City of Calumet City, Thaddeus Jones, Ancel Glink, P.C., and Michael J. Kasper exemplifies why this review is imperative. The public record clearly warrants scrutiny and action to ensure misconduct does not continue to go unchecked.

The disparity in treatment and lack of institutional support for Black women in public office raises broader concerns about racial and gender equity in our political system. Why should we, committed to serving our communities and holding public office with integrity, receive less protection and response when we report injustices? The time for dismissing credible concerns of harassment and malfeasance is over. Accountability and fair treatment should not be privileges—they are rights.

We must hold our elected officials to high ethical standards and ensure their actions are transparent. State leaders must apply accountability and protective standards consistently and fairly. This review is not just about one individual—it is about setting a precedent for how we respond to claims of misconduct and ensuring justice and equity prevail in our state's operations.

PUBLIC RECORD MATTERS WARRANTING REVIEW
1. Nyota T. Figgs v. The City of Calumet City, Thaddeus Jones, Ancel Glink, P.C., and Michael J. Kasper - Circuit Court of Cook County, Law Division, Case No. 2026 L 010688 Filed September 8, 2026. The complaint alleges malicious prosecution, civil conspiracy, and abuse of process arising from the City's
earlier case, City of Calumet City v. Nyota Figgs, Cook County Case No. 21 CH 5512. 

2. Monet Wilson v. Calumet City Democrats United and Thaddeus Jones - Circuit Court of Cook County, Law Division, Case No. 2026 L 001166, defamation per se action alleging that 2025 campaign mailers contained false factual accusations that Wilson engaged in criminal or unlawful conduct. The action seeks damages and a jury trial. The claims remain pending allegations.

3. Kenneth Jones v. City of Calumet City and Thaddeus Jones, Mayor of Calumet City, individually - U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, Case No. 1:25-cv-14797. Kenneth Jones alleges that Thaddeus Jones sought a bribe/payment in exchange for allowing him to retain City employment and later retaliated against him. The federal action includes Section 1983 and retaliation claims against the City and Thaddeus Jones. 

4. Federal campaign-fund investigation and legal spending - not a court case. A federal grand-jury subpoena sought records from three Jones-controlled campaign funds as part of an official criminal investigation. Public reporting in 2026 states Jones has spent nearly $400,000 in campaign funds on legal fees since the subpoena; the reporting also states it is unclear how much of that total is directly related to the investigation.

5. Municipal credit-card policy violation and State-role travel questions: An official February 5, 2026, Calumet City agenda references the Council's November 4, 2025, determination that the City Credit Card Policy was violated and addresses reimbursement. WGN Investigates later reported more than $46,000 in travel-related charges for Jones and others on City cards, including Las Vegas, Colorado Springs, Miami and Washington, D.C., plus Florida airfare for two family members. City records show 2025 travel overlapping dates of major insurance-industry or state-insurance-policy meetings. Jones chairs the Illinois House Insurance Committee and has described questioned travel as including an insurance conference. State officials should determine whether City taxpayer funds subsidized State House duties or insurance-related conferences and whether reimbursement is owed.

6. State grant funds and family compensation: Chicago Tribune reporting found Jones's wife, Saprina Jones, earned $92,538 in 2023 and quoted a City spokesman stating that her compensation came from state-funded grant programs, including Reimagine Public Safety Act funds. The same reporting found Jones's son earned $32,250 from the City in 2023. This warrants an independent review of hiring, grant compliance, conflicts, and supervision, as in the Ammons case.

7. United States of America v. Carol Ammons and Aaron Ammons - U.S. District Court, Central District of Illinois, Urbana Division, Case No. 2:26-cr-20033-CSB-EIL A July 7, 2026, federal indictment charges State Rep. Carol Ammons with wire fraud, making a false statement to the FBI, and conspiracy to obstruct justice, and charges Aaron Ammons with obstruction-related offenses. Prosecutors allege, among other things, that Carol Ammons directed state grants to nonprofits that paid her daughter after state officials had identified a conflict. The Illinois House opened a special investigation, and Speaker Chris Welch removed Carol Ammons from House committees and caucus resources while the matter proceeds.

By signing this petition, you are supporting a call for justice and fairness. Join us in urging the Illinois House to act decisively and review Representative Thaddeus Jones's ethics and actions. Let's champion equal treatment and accountability for all.