During his time at MAG, Dennis Smith was instrumental in developing the region’s 911 system and led the charge on passing two successful transportation taxes.

The architect of a 2006 ballot measure that bars in-state tuition for illegal immigrants contends a project set up by Rep. Catherine Miranda to help so-called “Dreamers” get an affordable education violates the law.

Carina Montes, an A-grade high school student and JROTC member, would normally have good chances as she applies for college scholarships. But Proposition 300, a voter-approved law that requires students who can’t prove citizenship to pay out-of-state tuition and denies them access to state and federal financial aid, is preventing even some of the most qualified students from getting access to a college education.