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Property tax and transparency issues have motivated a Jacksonville business owner to challenge Mayor Andy Ezard, providing the incumbent with his first challenge since his inaugural mayoral run in 2009. Nicole Riley, owner of Soap Co. Coffee Shop and Freya & Co. Salon in Jacksonville, will oppose Ezard in Tuesday s municipal elections. Ezard, a lifelong resident of the city, has served as mayor since 2009 and has run unopposed in each of the last two mayoral races in 2013 and 2017. He received 86% of the vote 784 votes in the Feb. 23 primary, while Riley took 12% 112 votes. Ezard wants people to know that his experience which includes four years serving as the city clerk prior to being elected as mayor is being used to work hard for the people, even in unpredictable times like right now, with COVID-19 affecting all facets of life throughout the city. ....