Jon Stewart, in an offhand moment during a recent interview with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, remarked sarcastically, "I follow the polls, nothing else; I'm not an issues guy. I like numbers."

Twelve states have 283 electoral votes, 13 more than the 270 needed to win the presidency. However, these 12 states - Virginia (13), New Jersey (14), North Carolina (15), Georgia (16), Michigan (16), Ohio (18), Illinois (20), Pennsylvania (20), Florida (29), New York (29), Texas (38), and California (55) - constitute only 26 percent of America's 50 states.

The most significant problem facing Virginia Beach is twofold: the short-term and long-term defense cuts that could have a devastating effect on our region, and the need to diversify our regional economy to create jobs for our citizens.

Basically, Virginia Beach, to varying degrees, is heading in the right direction.

The most significant problems facing the city of Portsmouth are the economic challenges that we've had to overcome since 2007.

Although the resolve to face this issue is complex, the overall problem is a lack of leadership and the formulation of a plan, or plans, to guide and focus our resources. (Our greatest resources and accomplishments come about at times when citizens are directly incorporated throughout the process.)

The most challenging threats to our city's future are the unfunded state and federal mandates, reduced funding for education and public safety personnel and the lack of a sustainable, dedicated revenue source for transportation construction.

I believe the most significant problem facing Suffolk is that our mayor and City Council spend and spend our tax dollars and that they are unwilling to challenge the city manager.

The most significant problem in Suffolk is the lack of jobs. To alleviate the problem, there must be more industry. In order to compete with other cities in attracting industry, Suffolk must place a premium on improving the quality-of-life areas that industries evaluate when choosing where to locate.

I believe the most significant problem in Virginia Beach is out-of-control spending. With the city forecast of real estate assessments (a major revenue stream) continuing to fall for the next four years, the federal government looking to reduce military spending, and the possibility of a continuing recession, it is imperative that we rein in all unnecessary spending.