Cheryl Chow was elected to City Council for the term beginning January 1, 1990. She unseated long time incumbent City Councilmember Jeanette Williams. During her first term, Chow chaired the Parks and Public Grounds Committee (1990-1993). During her second term, she chaired the Health, Housing, Human Services, Education and Libraries Committee (1994-1997). In 1997, Chow chose not to run for reelection. She ran again for City Council in 1999, but was defeated by Judy Nicastro. Chow is a native of Seattle, the daughter of Ruby Chow, a former King County Councilmember. Prior to her tenure on City Council, Chow was a teacher, principal, and administrator for the Seattle School District. Following her second term on the Council, she served as interim principal at Franklin High School and then at Garfield High School.