David Pickler, Ken Hoover Battle for Shelby County School Board

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - After more than a decade at the helm of the Shelby County School Board, David Pickler seems to be in the political fight of his life. Some in the county say it's time for something different, and Pickler's opponent, Ken Hoover, believes he'll bring about that change.

On another torrid summer day in the Mid-South, Shelby County School Board Chairman David Pickler's presence signifies the flames still burn within him, even after 12 years of service.

"I stand before the voters every four years," said Pickler. "As long as we're doing a great job and we have the passion for Shelby County schools, we have a passion to serve the needs of our school system, then I want to give the opportunity to the voter."

Some miles away at a busy early voting location at New Bethel Church in Germantown, Pickler's surprising challenger, Ken Hoover, works just as hard to try and convince voters Pickler's fire to lead should be extinguished in favor of a new torch-bearer.

"When David took over as Chairman there was a three year limit on the chairmanship. I'd like to see that go back in place," said Hoover. "I think it's unhealthy for any body, any public body to have power concentrated in one person over an extended period of time."

With a school system that's been regarded as a model for the country, it is curious that the board member who has been its recognized and undisputed 'point man' for years now finds himself in a tight battle to retain his post. Yet, as Pickler stridently seeks another term, Hoover has managed turn Pickler himself into a lightning rod issue in trying to galvanize parents who are upset with what they allege is his dictatorial and secretive approach to school board business. Hoover has pounded away at an alleged lack of transparency on a board with only one now-retiring parent member on it.

"I want to post board handouts online. I want to put the board minutes online. I want to broadcast board meetings. I want to make it as easy as possible for every parent to know exactly what their board is doing and why they're doing it," Hoover stated.

Yet, Pickler maintains that issues such as the potential consolidation of city and county schools can only benefit from the experience and reputation for hard-nosed politicking he brings to the table.

"School board membership is a very different kind of service. It takes quite a bit of a learning curve," explained Pickler. "Anytime that you've held an office for 12 years, there's going to be an opportunity for someone to disagree with some of the positions you've taken."