Clinton to Boston? State paying attention to idea of trains going through Clinton.

Byline: John Weeks

CLINTON - More than two years ago Dinorah Caraballo began advocating to bring commuter train service back to Clinton.

Back then she was all alone in her mission, surrounded by naysayers and pessimistic critics. Now things have changed. Caraballo has organized a grassroots movement and the Statehouse is paying attention.

"We're a group of people who call ourselves the Clinton Community Rail Service Committee," said Caraballo, who serves as chairman of the committee. "We meet every month. We've been meeting ever since Town Meeting in May 2006."

At that Town Meeting, Caraballo placed a non-binding referendum on the warrant asking voters if they wanted to see commuter rail service restored in town. More than 90 percent of the voters said they wanted the trains back.

"That's not bad," she said. "We've been meeting for a long time and, at times, I've been discouraged. But, we keep coming up with ideas and one idea was to get letters to the big people. Last month, I sent a letter to Lt. Governor Tim Murray."

Caraballo's letter reached out to the former mayor of Worcester, who received a great deal of support from Clinton residents while campaigning with Deval Patrick for the governor's office.

"Your ongoing work with bringing better commuter rail services to Worcester is the reason we are writing to you for whatever support or direction you can provide us," read the letter.

Two weeks ago, Murray responded.

"I appreciate you taking the time to write," read Murray's letter. "As you know, I have been an advocate for expanded commuter rail service."

Those who think commuter rail service to Clinton is a pipe dream may have dismissed Murray's letter as mere politics. Last week, however, the state announced it is serious about investigating the feasibility of expanding commuter rail service to accommodate. The state Executive Office of Transportation and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) are studying the possibility of creating a new...