Letter to the Editor - Rife: ‘I need to apologize
I need to apologize to the wonderful community I want to represent for being late to the legislative forum hosted by the Brandon Valley Journal (and Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce) on Oct. 10, 2026. I was too late to make an impact and that is not who I am. I referenced an email in error and got my times confused. It was a good reminder that I am human.
I have an uncle that is a huge inspiration to me. He is a legendary martial arts instructor. Being late cost me 100 knuckle push-ups. Fifteen minutes early was his rule. I am going to be doing a lot of knuckle push-ups for this accident.
Either way, it is my fault. I take responsibility. It was a sharp lesson. We only get to go forward and I resolve to continue the mission I set out for at the beginning;
I wanted to bring some real empathy, honesty, and frank discussion to politics. I want to run a candidacy and office that is fact driven, regardless of popularity.
Here are the facts. South Dakota has a budget surplus that needs to be reinvested in the community, I would prefer we send that money to schools, primary care prevention, addressing the affordability crisis, and building infrastructure that helps set up the next generation of South Dakotans for success.
I love South Dakota. My best friends are here, the people are pragmatic, and a lot of what we do should be a model for other states because we are efficient and hard working. I have had the luxury of traveling internationally, living in a couple of other states for a short time, and meeting people from a variety of backgrounds. I choose to call South Dakota home because of the great faces and places.
Lastly, please do not take my tardiness as a statement of apathy. I do care. I care a lot. I would love the opportunity to try the same event at another time. Every part of this forum sounded like a blast. If everyone wants to try again in a formal or informal setting, I am happy to be a participant.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. You are important.
Blake Rife
Candidate for District 2 State House
