Béla Pásztor, uncle Béla to many of us, celebrates his eighty-fifth birthday at the beginning of the week. The celebrant from Ipolybalog was at the head of Veresegyház for nearly fifty-eight years. Meanwhile, he never forgot his highland roots.
The main moments of the life of the "hereditary" mayor of Veresegyház are not unknown to the readers of our portal. Most recently on February 21 , when he resigned from the post of mayor, we summarized the defining stages of his rich career. Thus, our current article presents the good old man from Ipoly, the truly generous uncle Béla, of course, striving for completeness, we can only describe slices of his character.
As can be read in the preface of the 2021 edition of the book Master of Myself, Servant of Others
"He who has always been elected leader with a large majority for so long is an exceptional person. And indeed, his personality plays a huge role in his success. He always behaves like an impeccable gentleman
(…) Mayorship is a profession. You have to learn it, but you also have to be born for it. Perhaps most importantly, be wise, strong, persistent and humble. Or, as the protagonist of this book used to say: nothing can happen to my liking."
And he is always a perfect gentleman. He knows everyone, calls them by name. He is well-known for his politeness, always letting his partner go ahead in every situation. His kindness and understanding are also part of his personality.
Not forgetting the historical past and traditions, he tried to keep the city that underwent exemplary developments under his management at the forefront of innovation and development.
Although he has lived in Hungary for nearly six and a half decades, he still feels at home in the Highlands. In an earlier interview with Felvidék.má, he testified about his defining roots as follows : "I received a morality based on the love, respect and honesty of people. If I did anything wrong, I would not only be committing a crime against morality, but also against my native land. You can't do that!" As he added: "Ipoly Mente's morality is my compass".
The fact that many people call him Uncle Béla shows his popularity, widespread recognition, and the respect shown to him. In this regard, he said in our interview five years ago: "I love people very much, I don't hurt anyone on purpose. As a peaceful person, I accept the given situation and think about how it can be made even better. I serve the benefit of individuals and communities. This is my compass. If possible and able, I always just give and don't ask. The people around me reciprocate that."
In addition to his love for his homeland, he carries the fate of the Hungarian communities living there in his heart. He addressed them as a message in an interview previously published on our portal:
"Do your work with honor, integrity and great dedication! Let them create according to their talents and possibilities! There is no small or big job. Every task is necessary, just as a tree needs its roots, trunk, and leaves. All of them have their task, which must be carried out with the good moral character of the Ipoly men."
As Uncle Béla explained in the interview following his resignation: "I have great love for all people, I will not remain idle, because whoever stops will die. And I still want to work". Knowing him, he will not remain idle even after resigning from his post.
Uncle Béla, God bless you on the occasion of your birthday!
Featured image: Béla Pásztor in Ipolybalog (Photo: Barnabás Molnár, archive)
