Background
Patterson, Kathleen was born on June 21, 1948 in Porterville, California, United States. Daughter of Everett Trenchard and Mary Elizabeth (Emery) Patterson.
Patterson, Kathleen was born on June 21, 1948 in Porterville, California, United States. Daughter of Everett Trenchard and Mary Elizabeth (Emery) Patterson.
Bachelor of Science in Journalism, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, 1970; fellow, U. York, England, 1971-1972; Master of Arts in English, Georgetown University, 1989.
Patterson ran for council chairman and was beaten in a landslide by Vincent 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." (Washington Post, Sept 13, 2006)
Originally from Chico, California, Patterson came to the District in January 1977 to be a Washington correspondent for The Kansas City Star.
She is the mother of two children, Gillian and Patrick. Patterson ran for council in 1994, presenting herself as a parent concerned about public education in the District. Her grassroots campaign successfully ousted two-term incumbent James 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 on fiscal 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 holds a degree in journalism from Northwestern University and a master's degree in English literature from Georgetown University.
Member of Executive Committee Coalition for American's Children, Washington, 1992-1993. Founding member Washington District of Columbia Ad Hoc Parents Coalition, 1992-1994.
Married Dale William Leibach, August 9, 1975. Children: Patrick, Gillian.