Is it true that once in power the political machines dominated daily life in the cities that they controlled and they held the purse strings for technological contracts?

Yes, political machines often dominated daily life in the cities they controlled, exerting significant influence over various aspects of governance and public services. They typically maintained tight control over financial resources, including contracts for technological and infrastructure projects, which allowed them to consolidate power and reward loyal supporters. This control facilitated patronage systems that benefited both the machines and their constituents, often at the expense of transparency and accountability.