There has been some controversy regarding the appointment of a new recreation director for Newton County. Some were adamant about going outside the community to search for a replacement when longtime director Tommy Hailey retired.

The Recreation Commission chose to promote from within and appointed Anthony Avery to the position this week. Avery had served as the rec department’s No. 2 leader since 2000.

Although we should always make it a habit to search for the best person for any governmental position — or any private position, for that matter — it is always a positive when you can promote from within.

We wish Avery the very best in his new position.

One suggestion that we have for his new administration is to set some controls in place to stop some parents from being abusive to volunteer coaches and umpires during county-sponsored activities.

And we have one more tip, on a personal note: Mr. Avery, the next time you have a photo taken, try to smile.