Never underestimate the power of a ticked off wheat farmer.

Nearly seven decades ago in North Dakota, Howard Henry of Westhope went on a one-man crusade to rid the Peace Garden State of what he called 'mechanical bandits', after he was ticketed on a street in Minot. He won the battle when North Dakota outlawed parking meters in 1948, and prevailed again after the state attempted to repeal the law in 1951.

Now all that might be changing.

According to the Associated Press, Governor Doug Burgum, no doubt sensing the massive loss of revenue by not having the devices that are commonplace in most American cities, wants to start charging people to park again.

The Governor, in full politician mode, says of course the money from meters would be great, but he's really more interested in helping small North Dakota businesses, and he says meters would encourage more 'parking turnover', leading to more sales for shop owners.

In Bismarck Thursday (March 9), North Dakota Representatives voted 53-38 to lift the ban, if voters in a particular city allow the meters to return. That follows earlier Senate approval of a slightly different bill.

The Senate now needs to approve the House amendment.

Not everyone is on board with the Governor's plan. One former state Senator, JoNell Bakke, is fighting top keep the ban in place.

So what's motivating Bakke to take up this fight?

She just happens to be the granddaughter of that old wheat farmer, Howard Henry.

Good luck JoNell! Your granddad would be proud!

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