Dave Wilson’s return to the radio business is the talk of the town among the people he used to represent in the legislature.
The former MLA recently spent four months in jail for expense fraud and while he’s not yet behind a microphone, his return to radio in Glace Bay, N.S. is generating plenty of talk.
“Since he was hired on there, I really don’t listen to that radio station anymore, to be truthful with you,” says Glace Bay resident Carole Campbell.
While some people say Wilson deserves a second chance, others aren’t as quick to forgive him for defrauding taxpayers of more than $60,000 to support a gambling addiction.
“I don’t think it’s fair one bit,” says Campbell. “I think the man didn’t serve enough time for what he did, and to put him back out in the public eye, I don’t think it’s right.”
“He can work in radio, but not where someone has to trust him,” says Port Morien resident Norma Struthers.
Area resident Mickey McNeil recently visited the station. He says Wilson did wrong, but it’s time to move on.
“I wish him all the best of luck. If he was running again in my riding, I’d vote for him again, no problem.”
Glace Bay resident Ian Carabin says he too is ready to forgive and forget after speaking with Wilson following his release from prison.
“He explained the whole scenario to me and was very honest and sincere about it,” says Carabin. “From what I gathered, he was very sorry for what he did.”
Political scientist David Johnson says history is full of politicians who have salvaged a public life after scandal, and feels Wilson can do the same.
“Billy Joe MacLean, the mayor of Port Hawkesbury, he had all sorts of issues in the past as an MLA,” says Johnson. “He’s gone on to have a wonderful political career after.”
The radio station insists it’s not capitalizing on a big name but rather benefiting from Wilson’s radio experience, and helping him return to his broadcasting roots.
However, a comeback in politics remains unlikely. Wilson says he is still not ready to speak publicly about his role in the expense scandal.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ryan MacDonald
