King County Councilwoman Julia Patterson, D-SeaTac, has been named vice-chairwoman of policy as part of the council's reorganization for 2007.

Her appointment came on a unanimous vote of county council members.

As vice-chairwoman of policy, Patterson will chair the council's Committee-of-the-Whole.

The council's Committee-of-the-Whole is the only standing committee on which all nine members serve. It considers complex legislation and policy issues of interest to the entire council.

"King County citizens want and deserve bipartisan cooperation from their local government," said Patterson, who represents Council District 5.

"With challenges in King County ranging from transportation to health care to criminal justice, it's vital that we continue to emphasize working together in a bipartisan manner. I will continue that effort as the new Vice Chair of Policy and as chair of the Committee-of-the-Whole."

Patterson was first elected to the council in 2001. She currently chairs the council's Transportation Committee and the King County Board of Health.