editorial comment The road to serfdom, albeit at a slower pace.....then again, paraphernalia thinks this may well lead to more car thefts (Duh!).

Look out, drug dealers, because you may lose your car thanks to a recently signed ordinance of the Boston City Council. Sponsored by Rob Consalvo, the ordinance became law on Oct. 13 after Mayor Thomas M. Menino signed it; the ordinance allows police to impound vehicles for a minimum of 48 hours of those who are caught buying, selling, transporting or using drugs while in their vehicle.

"A strong message needs to be sent to these individuals that we will no longer tolerate this type of illegal behavior in Boston's neighborhoods and that when you are bailed out of jail, you are not welcome back," said Consalvo. "Taking people's vehicles and levying a fine upon them will make them think twice about returning to our neighborhoods to buy and sell drugs."

Consalvo added that the law also requires that the $300 fine be given to the city for drug treatment and substance abuse services.

Consalvo said he modeled the ordinance after a similar law that exists in Chicago, which has helped deter crime there.

"I'm grateful the mayor signed it and the council passed it," said Consalvo. "It's a new, creative idea."

Consalvo added that his new ordinance is an extension of John's Law, his first ordinance that allows cops to impound vehicles of drunken drivers for at least 12 hours.

"We were the first city in America to adopt it, and now places like Quincy and Springfield have adopted it." said the councilor, who hopes the new ordinance will also be ushered into other communities.

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