A former Nova Scotia MLA, who pleaded guilty to fraud and breach of trust charges, is attempting to returnto politics.

Dave Wilson announced Tuesday morning that he is running for a municipal council seat in District 10 of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality.

Wilson signed papers at the Civic Centre in Sydney Tuesday, to officially announce his intentions to run for municipal council.

“It was the most difficult time in my life ever. It was a dark day and a dark time and I’m glad I’m out of it,” says Wilson. “I know that there's going to be some negative feedback. And I know that there will be people who want the chance to tell me that. So be it, I’m not afraid, but I’m a little nervous.”

The 60-year-old served four months in jail and 18 months’ probation, after admitting to defrauding the province of nearly $61,000, as a result of what he describes as a pathological gambling addiction.

In 2008, he says his addiction became uncontrollable. He spent thousands of dollars nightly at a Halifax casino.

Wilson won’t say how much he still owes the province, but admitted he's still making payments.

Tuesday on the campaign trail, with his daughter by his side, Wilson was asking for a second chance.

“It's not something you want everybody to know, but it's necessary for everybody to know and put out front because that's when you start dealing with it,” says Wilson. “First you admit to yourself and then move on. If people want to talk about it, I’m quite willing to talk about it.”

The District 10 seat was left vacant after the death of Darryl Flynn.

Wilson will be up against former CBRM councillor Darren Bruckschwaiger and Brian Shaw.

People in the community say they have mixed feeling towards Wilson's return to politics.

“He has the knowledge, but look at how he was, so no,” says Sydney resident Sharon Irving.

“You have to think of the whole record of a person, not just on one incident. I think he's served his time and done well,” says Steve Andrecyk.

The decision will be left up to voters, come election time on Oct. 15.

Wilson was given a second chance by a community radio station in Glace Bay. After serving time in jail, he was working as their full-time morning DJ. That role is currently reduced as he seeks a council seat that would come with a salary of just under $40,000 a year.

With files from CTV Atlantic’s Kyle Moore.