ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — A nominee to the Maryland State Board of Education is facing questions about a record of traffic offenses and debt.

Brandon Cooper appeared Monday before a state Senate panel that is considering his nomination by Gov. Larry Hogan.

Cooper, who is 28, says he has learned from his mistakes. His record includes a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to appear in court and liens for failing to pay state taxes.

He says he received probation before judgment on the driving under the influence charge from 2013. Cooper says the reason he failed to appear in court was because he didn’t receive notice — due to the fact that he was in college and moving around. He also says he’s on payment plans to pay the taxes.