J. Bracken Lee

J. Bracken Lee (January 7, 1899–October 20, 1996) full name Joseph Bracken Lee, was a political figure in the state of Utah, United States. He served two terms as governor of Utah (1949 - 1957), six two-year terms as mayor of Price, Utah (1935 - 1947), and three terms as mayor of Salt Lake City (1960 - 1971).

Early years and military service

Lee was born in Price, Utah, on January 7, 1899 to Arthur J. Lee (died 1934) and Ida Mae (Leiter) Lee (1874–1980). When he was five the family moved to Fruita, Colorado where they remained until he was in the eighth grade. The family then returned to Price..

During World War I, Lee served in the U.S. Army, lying about his age and passing up his high school graduation in order to enlist. During training in California, the Army kept him there as a trainer for the soldiers going to Europe, believing that he had the excellent people skills needed for this job. This was a decision that Lee initially regretted, as he wished to serve in combat. After the war, he joined his father in the insurance business in Price prior to going into politics.

In 1920 Lee married Nellie Pace with whom he had a daughter, Helen (Nelson)(died 2005). Two years later Nellie became seriously ill, with pneumonia, and then with Hodgkin's disease, of which she died in 1926. The medical expenses from her illness placed Lee in considerable debt. Until the debts were paid, Lee moved into his own garage and rented out his house. During this time, his daughter went to live with a grandmother.

On February 23, 1928, he married Margaret Draper (1909–1989) of Wellington, Utah. They had three children, a son, James (born 1930), a daughter, Jon (Taylor) (born 1935), and a son, Richard (born 1944). Margaret fueled Lee's political ambition and had a remarkable memory for names. They were married for over 60 years, until Margaret’s death in 1989.

His charisma and self-confidence

Lee was known as a good-natured and self-confident person. He was admired by friends and foes alike for his honesty and integrity. He spoke his mind freely, even when it got him in trouble politically. Lee's political philosophy, stated in his own words, was, "Do it honestly, do the best you know how, and let ‘em holler!" He was thus a colorful and controversial figure. He was one of few Utah politicians to receive national recognition. With a penchant for confrontation, he made plenty of political enemies.

Conservative and anti-income tax

Lee was fiscally conservative and a deep opponent of the income tax. With hefty cuts in spending, he was able to run surpluses in all of his administrations. As governor, he trimmed both spending and bureaucracy by cutting the number of departments and commissioners. He particularly angered the teacher's union for his cuts in higher education. In addition to his fierce opposition to the income tax, he opposed foreign aid and the United Nations. He enjoyed political success despite the fact that he was not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons). Although he did not shy from criticism of the church, he was careful to maintain good diplomacy with its leadership.

For a time Lee became involved in ultra-right-wing groups who advocated the formation of a "conservative" third party because of the increasing liberalism of both the Democratic and Republican parties.

Lee lost his first political campaign for mayor of Price in 1931. He returned in 1935 to win by just two votes, enjoying reelection another 5 times there. He lost two runs for governor in the 1940s before a successful bid in the fall of 1948. In 1956, he lost the Republican primary, which caused him to run a strong but unsuccessful race as an independent. He ran unsuccessfully for the Senate in both 1958 and 1962, and again for governor in 1964, though he was defeated in the Republican primary by Mitchell Melich.

Lee's legacy

Lee's biographer, Dennis Lythgoe, regards his greatest contribution his terms as mayor of Salt Lake City, where he brought fiscal responsibility and capital improvements to the city. With age having moderated his temper somewhat; he was more effective in office while remaining true to his principles.

Lee was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, particularly enjoying the high desert in eastern Utah near his native Price. He played semi-professional baseball as a young man. He was also an extraordinary handiman, with skills in jewelry making and painting. He was a member of the Freemasons; Shriners, and the Elks. Lee died in Salt Lake City on October 20, 1996, and is interred there in a family plot at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

References

* Dennis L. Lythgoe, "Let 'em holler : a political biography of J. Bracken Lee". Salt Lake City: Utah State Historical Society, 1982.
* Powell, Allan Kent, ed. "Utah History Encyclopedia". 'J. Bracken Lee', by Dennis L. Lythgoe. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1994.