That is the question facing Lakewood voters in a Jan. 2 special election

Along with the seasonal barrage of Christmas cards filling their mailboxes, Lakewood residents are receiving ballots posing a single question: whether to swap city-owned land designated for park use for land owned by a private developer.

Lakewood City Council originally approved the exchange at a July 24 council meeting. Citizens against the exchange filed a petition on Sept. 8 protesting the decision, and city council voted to call a special election, according to the city of Lakewood Web site.

The debate between the supporters of the referendum and those opposed is a hot one.

Supporters urge residents to preserve a wildlife corridor in the Rooney Valley open space, while opponents insist the land swap is not equal with the slogan, "Don't Switch for the Ditch!"

Ballots are being mailed to registered Lakewood voters between Dec. 8 and 18. Voters can return ballots by mail or drop them off at the city clerk's office at 480 S. Allison Parkway by 7 p.m. Jan. 2.

Check out the commentary below by YourHub.com users and feel free to post your own opinion on the land swap.

Arguments for:

Postings by Ginny Krause
-The buck stops here
-Westword Ho Ho Ho
Click here to see more of Ginny's postings on the issue.

Postings by Allan Berger
-Proponents of land swap distort facts
-Economics of the exchange
Click here to see more of Allan's postings on the issue.

Carma's public relations campaign

On the eve of the land swap vote

Rooney Valley rip-off

Kill the swap

Lakewood land swap: an appraiser weighs in

Builder's thoughts on Lakewood's land give away

More information:

Supporters of the swap Web site

Opponents of the swap Web site

Local coverage:

Westword article