City Councilmembers
The City of Exeter is a Charter City governed under the Council-Administrator form of local government. Under this form of government, the elected City Council may adopt and enforce all ordinances, resolutions, rules and regulations in respect to municipal affairs, subject inly to restrictions and limitations provided in this Charter, the United States and California Constitutions and applicable laws, and decisions of courts with competent jurisdiction. The City Council consists of five-members, elected by district in five single member districts. One member of the City Council shall be elected from each district by the voters of that district alone. Each member of the City Council shall serve a four-year term until his or her successor is qualified.
The City Council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, for Closed Session at 6:30 p.m. and Regular Session at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at the Exeter City Hall at 137 North F Street.
Mayor Jacob Johnson - District A
Jacob Johnson represents Exeter as Mayor, he serves for District A. His family moved to Exeter in 1994 when he was just 8 years old. Shortly after graduating from Exeter Union High School, he met his future wife, Valarie while working here in town. They were married in 2008 and have one daughter that is currently a junior at the high school. For the past 3+ years he has been working as a Commercial Lines Account Manager for NSE Insurance Agencies, Inc. located downtown Exeter and very involved with the Exeter Lions Club, where he is currently 1st Vice President. He is an active member of Rocky Hill Community Church and strives to be a better follower of Christ. Jacob is very proud to be a part of these amazing Exeter organizations that are making a difference for the city and the people of the community.
Contact Information
(559) 303-0547
jjohnson@exetercityhall.com
District A Map
Jeff Wilson Mayor Pro Tem - District B
I have proudly called Exeter home for over 36 years. My wife, Sherri, and I have been married for 37 years and have raised three children here, all of whom have chosen to establish their own families in Exeter. We are blessed with three grandchildren who bring us great joy.
I owned and operated a landscape maintenance business for over 25 years and retired as a Correctional Sergeant from the California Department of Corrections. My professional background has provided me with valuable experience in leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.
My commitment to community involvement spans decades. I have coached several youth sports teams, led the steering committee for the city’s Lighting and Landscape District, and served on the Exeter Public Safety Task Force. Over the past several years, I have been an active participant in city council meetings, advocating for initiatives that benefit our community. Additionally, I am involved with my local church’s men’s group, engaging in outreach efforts to support those in need.
As Mayor Pro Tem, my goals include promoting fiscal responsibility, supporting public safety, enhancing recreational programs, fostering neighborhood and community beautification, encouraging a business-friendly environment, and preserving Exeter’s unique small-town charm. I am dedicated to ensuring that our city continues to be a vibrant and welcoming place for residents and visitors alike.
Jeff Wilson is Mayor Pro Tem of District B.
Contact Information
District B Map
Frankie Alves - District C
Bobby Lentz - District E
Contact Information
blentz@exetercityhall.com
District E Map
Vicki Riddle - District D
Vicki completed R.N. nursing school, received a master’s degree and teaching credential, and then worked locally at area hospitals and clinics as a medical risk manager consultant.
Vicki raised her three boys through Exeter school system, and her sons chose service careers as a physician, med-vac pilot, and Cal Fire firefighter. Vicki then began a new chapter in her life, simultaneously serving as a full-time volunteer at Exeter Schools and in public service. She was awarded Ca. Republican Woman of the Year 2019 and 2021 Exeter Woman of the Year distinction.
Prior to running for City Council, Vicki served on the Tulare County Association of Governments (TCAG), Exeter Cemetery Board of Trustees, and Exeter Planning Commission. She served as President of Exeter Woman’s Club, President of Exeter Republican Women, member of Exeter Community Service Guild ‘Pink Ladies, member on the Lions Club board, and member of Kiwanis.
She was elected to Exeter City Council in 2022. Concerned for the Highway crossing safety of Exeter’s high school students, through TCAG Vicki put together the SR 65 Highway improvement project. This committee represented a first of its kind partnership with TCAG, Cal Trans, Exeter City Staff and Exeter school Superintendent plus public involvement. Level one funding of 1.5 million dollars with a leverage of 3 million was awarded to Exeter in historic time of 6 months. ‘Exeter is now the model for how you can expedite an Active Transportation Plan thanks in part to Councilman Riddle’s leadership.’ – Derek Winning, Principal Planner, TCAG. Furthering her effort, Vicki wrote the Ca. Transportation Committee Chairwoman Lee Ann Eager explaining her community’s concerns. Vicki’s letter was followed by a site visit to Exeter from Chairman Eager which garnered additional support. Many safety treatments to State Highway 65 are now being implemented in various phases.
Vicki also formed a 2nd City ad hoc committee, the Public Safety Task Force, in response to her constituent’s safety concerns. The report developed by the committee will be updated annually. The study also held value for staff and council during labor negotiations.
Since 2022, Vicki currently serves on the Tulare County Regional Transportation (TCRTA) Board of Directors. TCRTA addresses the public transportation needs of Exeter’s residents. Soon Exeter will have an Uber style transportation system called ‘Micro Transit.’
In 2023: Through many meetings with Visalia Transit Vicki requested and received for Exeter Sequoia Shuttle services, which stops at our CACHE museum 4 times a day Memorial Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. This has increased local revenue.
2024 February: Riddle worked with TCAG leadership and received a 600k grant to purchase Exeter downtown street lighting,
2024 June: Vicki put together a City Park Initiative committee, appealed to TCAG for funding and received 90k to go toward shaded benches and the Park Master Plan. Vicki works weekly with Exeter Project manager Eddie Wendt to improve all of Exeter City Parks including ADA planning.
2025: Vicki was appointed by the Ca League of Cities (“CalCities”) to the state Governance Transparency Labor Relations Committee. CalCities is the lobbyist organization advocating to our Ca legislature for local control to stay in our cities.
2025: Councilman Riddle is appointed by TCAG as the 2025 Water Commissioner Representative.
2025 Projects: Primary goals include Downtown revitalization and keeping Exeter money in Exeter by rebooting our Merchant’s Association plus sponsoring festive events in Exeter especially during our slower months.
Riddle: “My Dad immigrated to this country and instilled in me that I owe America a debt of gratitude for how my family benefitted. I am grateful to the goodness of America and to the goodness of Exeter. I am benefitting in essence from our citizen’s families who took all the risks and made all the sacrifices so that I can live securely and happily in this gem of a town. I want to roll up my sleeves in their honor and work hard for our Exeter citizens!”
Vicki raised her sons in her continued home of worship at Exeter Church of God.