St. John businessman Andrew Rutnik confirmed this weekend that he has accepted Gov. Charles W. Turnbull's offer to be Licensing and Consumer Affairs commissioner.
Rutnik, a Democratic Party activist, was an early and strong supporter of Turnbull's candidacy.
He owns Guavaberry Farms, a nursery and landscaping business, and made a name for himself as a strong consumer advocate when he was a member and chairman of the Public Services Commission.
Gov. Alexander A. Farrelly originally appointed him to the PSC but Gov. Roy L. Schneider did not reappoint him when his term expired last year.
Rutnik has also been a strong voice for small local businesses. He publicly took on the Industrial Development Commission for not requiring companies that enjoy IDC benefits to do business locally as the law requires.
Rutnik said he expects the appointment to be announced soon.