J. Bracken Lee

Joseph Bracken Lee (January 7, 1899 – October 20, 1996) was an American political figure in the state of Utah. A Republican, he served two terms as the ninth governor of Utah (1949–1957), six two-year terms as mayor of Price, Utah (1935–1947), and three terms as the 27th mayor of Salt Lake City (1960–1971).

Lee was the most recent of three Governors of Utah who was not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), the other two being Simon Bamberger (1917–1921) and George Dern (1925–1933).

Early life Lee was born in Price, to Arthur J. Lee (1870–1934) 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.

Lee married Nellie Pace. This happened shortly after Skousen raided an illegal poker club, where Lee was in attendance. Lee characterized Skousen's strict enforcement of anti-gambling laws as "like a Gestapo."

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's legacy as governor is sometimes disputed. While many point to his temper, opinionated personality, and battles with educators as problems, he is also generally praised for his fiscal responsibility, and for the fact that Utah enjoyed a prosperous economy during his administration. Throughout his entire tenure, the state had a surplus rather than debt. Even Lee's political opponents respected his integrity and honest, open and straightforward ways of dealing.

Lee was often compared to President Harry S. Truman. Though the two had differing political viewpoints and were members of opposite parties, their personalities were similar. They shared folksy manners, never shied from stating their opinions, and were bluntly honest. With the two in office at the same time from 1949 to 1953, it was easy for many to compare the two.