But being appointed to the job at all meant she was connected. There were few women in government at any level in those days (1986) and competition for the openings was fierce, especially in small towns.
Not really even back in 1986. That type of job means you just sign a piece of paper, I would even guess that they were short a couple of people. I have been asked a few times to be a precint commitee member and trust me I as a conservative voter in this state I have no connections. This “town” has a population of 35 thousand people. It is an inner suburb of Boston with its own subway stop. People are busy and lead busy lives. Town personel committe person is usually a person with a lot of idle time on their hands.
I disagree. In my town you have to be a friend (supporter, contributor) of the mayor and have the endorsement of your Alderman, as well as a majority vote of the town council. Those generally unpaid positions are coveted and carry a lot of power over who gets hired and who stays hired. If there is a union involved, it can mean negotiating on salaries and work rules. The mayor is likely to be very involved and very careful of who gets the appointment.
It's not the same as being precinct committee member which means actual work organizing the polls and getting out thel vote.