By DEBERA CARLTON HARRELL
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

Many island residents feel with all the amenities they have, it is time for soul-searching. The pressure to succeed or conform has been hard on some with less money and on teenagers, as evidenced by alcohol and drug abuse, and eating disorders.

The needs of increasing numbers of elderly -- many who have lived here all their lives but are on fixed incomes -- also need to be addressed, residents and city officials say.

The city of Mercer Island spends $800,000 on youth and family services, including family counselors at each school.

Some say Mercer Islanders should become less insular and more involved in regional problems.

"Children are protected here; when you leave the island people call it 'leaving the bubble,' " said long-time resident Sandy Barto.

Conversations among the young sometimes reflect expectations of privilege and opportunity, such as a recent discussion between two 12-year-olds about the merits of travel in Maui.

But Barto said that inside the "bubble" there is "a strong sense of community and family here."

"If I could change anything it would be to see more people step outside the community and use our advantages to help others," she said.

Carla Berkedal, a priest at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, said Mercer Island is in many ways a microcosm of urban life.

"People here want to be in community, in relationship to each other," Berkedal said. "I don't see people who flaunt their wealth, but I am hearing more concern about housing and zoning.

"People are asking questions -- should only the very wealthy be able to afford safe streets and a good education? These things are civil rights, and people are realizing that if we don't pay attention, Mercer Island could become a community accessible only to the very wealthy."