I’ve been reading up on the dispute between Santa Clara and the 49ers over $30 million in redevelopment funds which Santa Clara pledged to the team but now is revoking. Santa Clara says it is not legally obligated to pay the Niners the dough and will use it for essential needs like schools.

This leads me to two questions I hope you will weigh in on.

1) Because Santa Clara promised the money, should Santa Clara be obligated to pay up?

2) Because Santa Clara may not be legally obliged to pay the Niners (this is unclear), is it Santa Clara’s duty to pay for essential needs instead of helping fund a sports stadium for the 49ers?

Please give me your take on this unexpected situation.