Jobs, transportation and Rob Ford.

Those are the three leading hot button issues municipally in Ward 3 and Ward 4 of Etobicoke, according to a Star survey.

Since the start of the year, the Star has been asking residents from across the city to identify the No. 1 issue they want addressed. Our inquiries will continue until the October election, with results appearing in the paper and on thestar.com.

This week takes us to Wards 3 and 4, both of which are in the mayor’s backyard.

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Up at Cloverdale Mall, retail worker Chris Raptopoulos, 62, says there are bigger things to worry about than Ford’s lifestyle. He’s especially concerned about jobs, particularly for older workers who aren’t computer savvy.

“We got other worries other than what he does in his personal life,” Raptopoulos says of the mayor, who has admitted to having used crack cocaine. “I feel sorry for the guy.”

Retiree Bill Walker, 77, would like to hear about steps to take care of jumbo potholes.

“I’d like to see the holes filled in,” he says at a strip mall on Jopling Ave. S. and Bloor St. W.

For good measure, Walker makes it clear he’s an unapologetic Ford supporter.

“Get off Ford’s back,” he tells a reporter.

Of 25 people questioned, 11 said their key concerns are economic ones.

That includes nine residents who worry about unemployment.

Another five, like Walker, focused on transportation, from subway construction to potholes. Several of them said affordable, efficient public transit is essential for the poorest members of society.

Another five spoke passionately about character issues, like honesty, civility and Ford’s lifestyle.

Crime was only mentioned twice as a top issue, while the environment was mentioned once.

Outside a nearby Tim Hortons, retired daycare worker Jane Blanchard, 63, says she wants politicians to think first of low-income families.

Her friend Norman Lavigne, 63, agrees that low-income families should be the top priority.

“They’re scratching to put food on the tables,” Lavigne says.

Retired teacher Carlo Cappadocia talks in an electronics store near Islington Ave. and Dixon Rd. in a strip mall close to where Ford’s infamous crack cocaine video was made.

He thinks if voters elect representatives with good character, other things will work out as well as they can.

“Honesty and integrity,” Cappadocia says. “Beyond that, everything’s minor.”

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At Richview Square, grandmother Vicky Ormrod also talks of character issues.

She’d like to see a fresh slate of politicians at City Hall.

“I just want all new people,” Ormrod says. “They’re like kids. Kindergarten (kids). I’m tired of listening to all of it. I want a whole new crew in there.”

Retired bank worker Marilyn Daniel is a little more specific about the housecleaning she’d like to see.

“I don’t care what they do as long as they get rid of Rob Ford,” Daniel says.

“Next on my list would be transportation. That would be way below.”

Near Burnhamthorpe and Martin Grove Rds., builder Fred Fillippilli says he’d like a little more respect paid to his tax dollars.

“I hate it when they spend all the money we pay them on nothing.”

Top issues for 25 residents in Ward 3, 4

Unemployment: 9

Road repair: 3

Getting rid of Mayor Ford: 3

Crime: 2

Economic growth: 1

Taxes: 1

Gardiner Expressway: 1

Subway construction: 1

Civility: 1

Honesty and integrity: 1

Environment: 1

Protecting public services: 1