Even many well-heeled newcomers soon find themselves writing checks for good causes and volunteering for boards. For the most part, people come here to get away, but once they're here they connect with each other. This is an island where voters pack the polls. It's well over 80 percent. And no matter how much debate precedes an election, islanders can be counted on to approve school levies.
Islanders can be rough on teachers.
They have high expectations. But when it comes time to pay for the schools, there's never a question. We have to prepare our kids to leave the island, which can be very painful. This is not a place with many long-term career opportunities. You can come back and be our doctors, our lawyers, our store owners, but first you have to leave.