In the run-up to the Nov. 4 election, We asked candidates in contested races what they might have learned from the financial crisis, and how they might apply the lessons as representatives of the American people in the offices they are seeking. Here are the responses of U.S. Senate candidates Tom Udall and Steve Pearce, and from Jerome Block Jr., and Rick Lass, candidates for the Public Regulation Commission.

By Rick Lass

The national financial meltdown should be a concern to all of us, and was caused by a number of reasons, including bad governmental policies, poor investments, and lack of proper regulatory oversight.

In New Mexico, we are fortunate to have safeguards against this sort of meltdown, like a constitutional requirement for a balanced budget, steady income from severance taxes on oil and gas extraction, and a Public Regulation Commission to oversee corporate activity in the state.

Simply having a regulatory agency is not a safeguard. The people need and deserve a well-functioning agency. The collapse of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the bailout of major insurance companies were due in part to a lack of proper regulatory oversight.

New Mexico's PRC has not been perfect. Both the fatal Shuttlejack crash a decade ago and the recent failure by Qwest to make promised investments in rural infrastructure can be traced in part to lack of diligence on the part of the PRC.

When elected to the PRC, I will protect everyday New Mexicans. Families, working people, business owners and retirees are struggling to make ends meet. Rising utility costs, insurance premiums that are through the roof and don't always provide the coverage that they promise, and unreliable transportation systems are just some of the problems facing us today.

I will be an engaged commissioner. I will work for assurances that our insurance companies are solvent, are able to provide the coverage they promise, and do not make their clients jump through hoops that only lawyers understand.

I will work to make sure that utility providers keep the lights on and meet the renewable-energy standards set forth by the Legislature on time, by helping co-ops work together on projects and by encouraging more small-scale investments, like rooftop solar panels for homeowners, businesses and government buildings, and by securing low-interest or no-interest loans for energy-efficient appliances and weatherization.

I will work to ensure Qwest reaches its promises in investing in much needed telecom infrastructure in our rural areas and to help other companies do the same, so that no New Mexico home is without access to the most modern technologies available.

And I will work with the state's transportation companies to see that we begin using more fuel-efficient vehicles. Much good is happening in New Mexico with the advent of the Rail Runner and expansion of Park and Ride and Regional Transit systems, but without strong local public and private systems, many New Mexicans will still not be able to participate in these programs.

New Mexicans should not have to worry about whether they can afford to heat their homes this winter, or whether their insurance companies will be there for them if needed. As an independent commissioner, I will not be beholden to the interests of the corporations we regulate, nor to the demands of the major political-party structures. I will be there solely as your representative.

I have been a New Mexico resident since 1984, when I came here to go to St. John's College, where I earned a bachelor of arts degree.

I have worked to raise the minimum wage and repeal the taxes on food and medicine, on the Buy Local campaign, as an advocate to secure public campaign financing and paper ballots, and to oppose dirty, coal-fired power plants and promote wind and solar as viable, future-focused sources of electricity.

Now, I want to continue my work as a Public Regulations commissioner. Please, vote for Rick Lass for PRC Nov. 4.