Theis pulls out of Warren mayoral race

WARREN -- Mary Theis, who filed to run as a Republican challenger to Democratic Warren Mayor Michael O'Brien, has withdrawn from the race.
Theis, longtime owner of Century 21 Theis Realty of Howland, said she recently became aware that she is not permitted by her employer, First Place Referral Network of Howland, to run for elective office while employed there.
This is the first time she has run for political office.
Theis said she ran to give O'Brien some competition. She spent a lot of time with members of the city's neighborhood watch groups and found a lot of support there, she said.
Theis, of 1202 Willow Brook Drive N.E., said she thinks the groups will continue to improve the city through its concentration on getting rid of crime.
Though O'Brien will have no opponent in the May 8 primary, he could still face opposition in November if an independent or write-in files, said Rokey Suleman, deputy director of the Trumbull Board of Elections.
The deadline is May 7 for independents to file and Sept. 5 for write-ins.