Just don't call it a TROLLEY

Boise, Idaho -- A public relations firm has been chosen to handle the Boise streetcar issue.

Choosing a firm has been contentious, but on Tuesday, city council members said they made the right decision.

It's not a decision to go ahead with a streetcar, but the council did vote to award a public relations contract to Cronin and Associates.

Council president Maryanne Jordan says it was based on three issues: the process being proper, public outreach on the issue being critically important, and the award to Cronin being valid.

"The bid submitted by Cronin and Associates was by far not only the most specific and comprehensive, but the only one to offer the city options as far as how to do what portions of public outreach when," said Jordan.

Many in the council voiced their issues about incorrect information involving the streetcar.

David Eberle was concerned media outlets were calling it a trolley, and Alan Shealy took it a step further.

"There is a tremendous amount of misinformation out there. Disinformation that I think rivals the war department regarding such issues as why don't you spend the money on commuter rail, why don't you buy buses," said Shealy, Boise City Council pro tem.

But at the heart at the issue was the public relations contract,and should it go to Cronin and Associates.

That concern involved a possible conflict of interest, since Brian Cronin helped Boise Mayor Dave Bieter in his election campaign.

Council members said that's no longer a concern, even Jim Tibbs, who opposes the streetcar, would vote for Cronin's company.

"If I did, Cronin and Associates would clearly be the right vendor to award the contract to," said Tibbs, a Boise City Council member.

And that has everything to do with what Cronin spelled out in his proposal.

"There are a number of ideas for activities that they can undertake, everything from building a website to creating some print materials to doing a fair deal of public outreach, which is a big part of the plan," said Cronin, Cronin and Associates.

But it's also the price structure, which ranges between $50,000 and $90,000.

And even in that, Cronin says there's always wiggle room.

"I think the mayor's staff and/or the council could come back and say, 'We only want to spend $20,000 on this,' " said Cronin.

There were two no votes against the contract -- Councilmen Vern Bisterfeldt and Tibbs.

Tibbs said he voted against it because he's against the streetcar, so there's no reason to hire a firm.

Tuesday's vote does not involve money right now, but that money could be allocated later on if the city decides to move forward.