Trump campaign chief to lead SJ Christmas parade

HAMMONTON - Santa Claus won't be the only famous figure in this town's Christmas parade.

Kellyanne Conway, an area native who served as campaign manager for President-elect Donald J. Trump, will be grand marshal for Saturday's event, according to the Hammonton Fire Department.

"We are thrilled that Kellyanne was able to take the time to come back home," said Mickey Pullia, a fire department lieutenant who coordinated the visit by his childhood friend.

"We are so proud of the good work she's doing with the president-elect," added Pullia, a Republican member of Hammonton's council.

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But some residents see Conway playing a Grinch-like role in the town's seasonal celebration.

"There are many of us who have been calling the mayor and town council and asking that they please reconsider," said Amanda Santone, a Hammonton woman who characterized Trump's campaign as "shameful."

Santone said she plans to protest at the parade if Conway takes part, noting she'll also point out the grand marshal to her two children. That way, she said, "They'll know exactly how they're not supposed to turn out."

Pullia, who considers Conway a role model for his two children, asserted the Trump aide was being honored "for her accomplishments in work, not so much politically."

"We have a history of very strong women coming out of Hammonton," he said, noting Jill Biden, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, was a native of the Atlantic County town. "The strong women and men that come from Hammonton, we support them."

At the same time, Pullia said, when firefighters considered choosing Conway, "We were thinking it would be great if we could get her or, of course, Donald Trump."

The Republican candidate did well in Hammonton, which bills itself as the Blueberry Capital of the World. Trump outpolled Democrat Hillary Clinton 3,458-2,117, according to unofficial results.

In announcing Conway's selection, the fire department noted the "former long-time Hammonton area native" attended Catholic high school here "and worked at Indian Brand Blueberry Farms in the summers before leaving for Washington, D.C., for college and law school."

Pullia said he reached out to Conway through family members.

Conway could not be reached for comment.

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The planned appearance drew praise from the principal of Conway's former high school.

"We are excited for Kellyanne," said the Rev. Allain Caparas, who noted the 1985 graduate is a school trustee.

"The Christmas parade highlights that Hammonton is a family," he said. "Regardless of background, this is a time where we all come together for the children and for one another."

He said Conway, then known as Kellyanne Fitzpatrick, was "very involved" as a St. Joseph's student. "She played field hockey and softball and was involved in the school play, National Honor Society, and student council."

"We are a small school from a small town … and Kellyanne was no different of a student  than any other students," Caparas said. "She succeeded because she worked hard and her parents and teachers believed in her potential."

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According to the fire department, the parade will start at 7 p.m. at Bellevue Avenue and North Liberty Street. It will stop briefly so Conway can receive a key to the town at Bellevue and Central avenues.

"At that time, Ms. Conway will join Fire Department representatives to share brief comments with the crowd and view the remainder of the parade with friends and family from the judge's table," the announcement said.

Conway actually grew up in the Atco section of neighboring Waterford, which has no role in her homecoming.

"We haven't been invited," said Susan Danson, Waterford's township administrator. "We're just riding the coattails and saying, 'Yes, yes, she's from Atco!'"