Kathy Patterson | |
|---|---|
| Auditor of the District of Columbia | |
| Assumed office January 2, 2015 | |
| Mayor | Muriel Bowser |
| Preceded by | Yolanda Branche |
| Washington D.C. Council member from Ward 3 | |
| In office 1995–2007 | |
| Preceded by | James E. Nathanson |
| Succeeded by | Mary Cheh |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1948-06-21)June 21, 1948 (age 77) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | Northwestern University(BA) Georgetown University(MA) |
Kathleen "Kathy" Patterson (born June 21, 1948[1]) is an Americanpolitician fromWashington, D.C. From 1995 to 2007, she was aDemocratic member of theCouncil of the District of Columbia, where she served as the elected member forWard 3, a post now held byMatthew Frumin. In 2014, she returned to government when she was nominated as Auditor of the District of Columbia.[2]
Originally fromChico, California, Patterson came to the District in January 1977 to be a Washington correspondent forThe Kansas City Star. Patterson holds a degree injournalism fromNorthwestern University and a master's degree in English literature fromGeorgetown University.
Patterson ran for council in 1994, presenting herself as a parent concerned about public education in the District. At the time she was working as communications director for theAmerican Public Welfare Association, a national nonprofit organization that represents state human service agencies and works withCongress and theWhite House on poverty and children's issues. Her grassroots campaign successfully ousted two-term incumbentJames E. Nathanson in the Democratic primary. The voters of Ward 3 returned her to the Council three times, in 2002 with nearly 80 percent of the vote.
On the council, Patterson focused onfiscal responsibility, stronger public schools, and accountability from District government officials. She served as chair of the Committee on Government Operations from 1997 through 2000, the Committee on the Judiciary from January 2001 through 2004, and finally the Committee on Education, Libraries, and Recreation.
Patterson ran for council chairman and was beaten in a landslide byVincent C. Gray on September 12, 2006. Her election loss was attributed to racial politics by some Patterson supporters, while others felt that her tough-talking style was too abrasive to lead the council. Patterson said afterwards, "I have no apologies, and I have no regrets."[3]
| Council of the District of Columbia | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Member of theCouncil of the District of Columbia from Ward 3 1995–2007 | Succeeded by |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by | Auditor of the District of Columbia 2015–present | Incumbent |
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