Both Wolf and Bonislawski also say Samp has had a distinguished career as a local little league baseball coach.

"He just really is such a baseball freak," Bonislawski says. "That's the only way to describe it."

"He's a big little league person," Wolf says. "He has a city-wide reputation in that field and as a leader at the Election Commission."

Samp says he plans to continue coaching Little League as well as teaching Spanish to senior citizens after his retirement.

The Future

At tonight's Republican City Committee meeting, five challengers will be vying to replace Samp on the Commission.

According to Trumbull, the candidates include Wayne "Rusty" Drugan, treasurer of the Republican City Committee, Peter Sheinfield, a vice-chair of the committee, Paul DeLeo, a ward chair, Arthur Malenfant, a ward chair and Ed Feinman, a Republican activist.

Trumbull says the Republicans will submit a ranked list of three candidates to City Manager Robert W. Healy Jr., and that Healy will select one of the three candidates. Traditionally, the city manager has selected the highest-ranked candidate.

Trumbull says the choice of a new election commissioner is "potentially very important."

"When it comes time to locate the voting places, that's something that the commission will do," Trumbull says. "Where you locate a polling place can often determine who votes."

Following the meeting, Republicans plan to honor Samp with a wine and cheese reception, Trumbull says.

As for Samp, he says he hopes to remain connected to city elections by serving as a precinct warden after he steps down from the commission on March 31.

"I would like to keep my hand in trying to be a good citizen and help where I could as long as my health permits it," he says.

Despite Samp's retirement, Bonislawski says she believes Samp will remain involved in local affairs.

"I have a feeling we haven't seen the last of Ed," she says.