People of Hicksville: Joseph Bargiuk

Hicksville resident Joseph Bargiuk, 71, has lived in the hamlet since 1950. A lot has changed for him in the last 61 years, including his political views. Newsday caught up with him Tuesday while he voted at Old Country Road Middle School.

How has Hicksville changed in your time here?
Bargiuk: It changed a lot. There used to only be two schools. Now there's more and a lot more crime. I saw the roads change too.

Are there any changes about Hicksville you like?
Bargiuk: I used to work with my father in construction where I was a cement mason. I did [worked on widening] Newbridge Road back in 1980. I like that that they made the roads wider but, of course, now there's more traffic.

Why have you stayed in Hicksville so long?
Bargiuk: I have no idea. My family and friends were here . . . they’re gone now.

What are you thinking about when you go to the polls?
Bargiuk: Well, basically they [pundits] talk about Obamacare and property taxes. I voted all Republican. I used to be a Democrat, I’ll never vote Democrat again.

This week, for the second installment of our “Town Focus” series, community journalist T.C. McCarthy is visiting the hamlet of Hicksville. Have a suggestion about someone he should meet or a place he should visit? We want to hear from you about how to get the full Hicksville experience. Reach out through Twitter, email or in the comments below.