My name is Ashley Thomas, born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. The last year or so has been a tough one for my family and I. It’s not the first time we have been let down by elected officials in Indiana, or the community as a whole. Normally, we would accept that the odds that are against us and move on. Every year, every day, every minute, I would ask God, “What’s my purpose here on earth?”. And could never come up with anything until now. My purpose is to be the voice for those in the community who looks like me, who has the financial means like me who feels voiceless. For an entire year, I reached out to the Mayor Joe, Governor Eric, Water/Gas Company, Judge Brenda Roper trying to get help on a $4,500 water bill because a leak in a home when renting a property here in Indianapolis. During my stay at that residence I put in request for water leaks, broken hazardous balcony and stairs, black mold and so on and the owner of property neglected the home for 3 years. When we moved out last year I was made aware of a $4,500 water leak charge on my account once I received my final bill 24 days later from water company. No justice was done there, so I took it to small claims court thinking the Judge would see this through. My mother is a RN at the hospital, after working a 12 hour night shift before court hearing, she was tired. The Judge was rude, dismissive, didn’t allow us to finish statements, she rolled my her eyes and put her hand up at my mom during court and so on. I was highly offended and my mother was disrespected. My mother has been nothing but an upstanding citizen here in Indianapolis, her whole life. Our skin color, social status, financial means should not determine how we will be treated. At the end of court, Judge Brenda stated that she will make a decision in 5-7 days. I made a verbal complaint after court to the office manager. From that complaint Judge Roper made her ruling 30 minutes after my compliant that didn’t rule in our favor. Since then I have asked for help, Gov. Joe emailed and stated he couldn’t do anything. Mayor Joe simply ignored me. Attorney Faith Alveraz said I did have a case, and I should have won. During our consultation, I explained what happened with Judge Brenda Roper I was cut off and she stated “We don’t go after Judges”, “Maybe she was just having a bad day”, “She’s fair”. After that I felt so small and felt hopeless. She finished with saying she will take my case for $3,000. 
I was dismissed, I was ignored but I will not be silenced. There are so many others out there who share my same story. 
We can’t count on the ones who pledged to protect us no matter how big or small.
If I can’t go after the Judge regarding her misconduct in court and retaliation after my complaint because of her position and power status, I will fight for us to protect us moving forward. 
I need your support to propose a law to protect citizens from landlords who are putting families at risk and neglecting the homes they are renting. 
Any owner who are renting properties should be required to provide information to the tenant on first day move in where they can easily submit concerns, complaints against their particular landlord. The complaints should be followed immediately by an in person inspection of complaint. If the tenant’s complaint is accurate and valid, the owner will receive a point against them. After so many points, the owner will be penalized and must pay fees. Everyone deserves to live in a clean, safe environment no matter their zip code, race, social status, and financial means.