HomeMy WebLinkAboutFrost,Board of Ethics application IICITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA
APPLICATION FOR THE BOARD OF ETHICS
Application of Melissa Frost
Please explain your relevant qualifications, interests, and experiences.
I am keenly interested in the question, “What’s the right thing to do?” both in a philosophical and
practical sense. I have a B.A. in Philosophy and an M.A. in Political Science and I’ve spent
much time thinking about ethics. I have a deep interest in how people interrelate and live in
communities and societies. I believe there are circumstances where unwritten rules of conduct
are sufficient, but there are other circumstances where written codes of conduct can help guide
people in answering the question, “What’s the right thing to do?” and encourage them to be their
very best. I have also been a public employee with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for the last
six and a half years. I take very seriously my responsibility to uphold the public’s trust, a part of
which is my willingness and ability to be honest, transparent, accountable, and competent. I
believe these are essential qualities in public employees and officials. In addition, many people
care passionately about the incredible natural resources that Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
manages and stewards. The issues that I’ve worked on from day-to-day are often complex,
controversial, and at times, highly emotional. This required me to be thoughtful and grounded, as
well as able to problem-solve and respond quickly on my feet. And finally, this is my eighteenth
year living in Bozeman and I am proud that this is my home. I have served on the Bozeman
Board of Ethics since it’s inception in July 2009. We have made great progress toward the goals
outlined in the city charter and the Code of Ethics. However, there is more work to do and I
would love to be a part of doing it. In summary, I have a deep interest in ethics—practically and
philosophically— and I am thoughtful, deliberative, and curious. I am committed to the work of
the Board of Ethics and wholeheartedly welcome the opportunity to continue on the board to
help create and implement ethical guidelines for the City of Bozeman.