Ben duPont, Chris Kenny launch ‘non-partisan’ advocacy group

Chris Kenny, president and CEO of The Kenny Family ShopRites of Delaware, and Ben duPont, philanthropist and entrepreneur, today announced the formation of A Better Delaware, a “non-partisan grassroots organization” that will advocate for pro-growth, pro-jobs policies and greater transparency in government.

“I speak with employers and workers every day who share my concern about Delaware’s business climate and our competitiveness with other states,” said Kenny, who operates six ShopRite stores in the state.

Zoe Callaway, a recent graduate of the University of Delaware, will serve as executive director. She told Delaware Business Times that the advocacy group will focus on fighting regulations and high-tax policies, including new income tax brackets and the real estate transfer tax

For the moment, that means reaching voters through digital outreach, such as social media and targeted advertising. “At this point, we’re just focused on voter education and outreach,” Callaway said.

As for its “grassroots” backing, the group is currently working to collect volunteer to help with outreach.

DuPont, co-chair of A Better Delaware, said Delaware does better when taxes, government spending, and regulations are under control.

“I’m an optimist,” said duPont, “but Delaware prospers best when government is in check. And the fact is Delaware’s economy was growing the fastest when Delaware was lowering taxes. That’s not an opinion. That’s a fact.”

The voter outreach will target the records of Dover politicians.

“A major reason Delaware is losing ground is because few are holding the politicians accountable,” said Kenny. “A Better Delaware will make sure taxpayers understand what is at stake and who in Dover is working for them.”