Call it good luck — outgoing Ward 3 council-member Kathy Patterson might have a second shot after being defeated by colleague Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7) in the race for council chair.

The Examiner is reporting today that among many of the personnel changes that are expected in the coming mayoral administration of Adrian Fenty, Patterson might be taking over as deputy mayor for public safety and justice. If we couldn’t have her on the council, this is the best possible alternative. Why? Patterson has long been a critic of the District’s police and emergency services, two institutions that could surely use a little kick in the ass to do their jobs better. Among other things, Patterson was responsible for the passage of a law protecting the First Amendment rights of protestors in the city, a response to the 2002 Pershing Park arrests. She also led the charge against the hazmat trains that were dangerously navigating through the District.

As we see Fenty’s administration taking shape, we can’t help but ask — who will he appoint to the vital position of Secretary of Keeping It Real?