Here is information for both sides of this argument:
Help
Political bosses helped to provide social services for immigrants who were new to America. This included jobs, living arrangements, and even educational opportunities so that these new immigrants could assimilate into American society. Along with this, political bosses helped to build infrastructure that would become critical to big cities. For example, one political boss in NYC helped to fund and build the Brookyln Bridge which is now a bridge that millions of New York city residents use on a yearly basis.
Menace
Political bosses used their political power to get rich. Many political bosses took millions of tax payer dollars by overcharging on public projects. Along with this, political bosses used corruption in order to win elections. These bosses would have individuals vote more than one at different polling places by changing their physical appearance (i.e. shave beards, where hats, etc.)