Kevin M. Cuff, former CEO of the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association, is running for state representative in the 17th Essex district.

The 17th Essex covers Andover, Lawrence and Methuen.

Cuff is no stranger to politics. In a letter released late last week, he credits his mother with inspiring civic-mindedness.

Cuff himself has a master’s degree in public policy from UMass Boston and worked in the state House of Representatives joint committee on banks and banking between 1982 and 1986. He was also finance and policy director under Boston Mayor Ray Flynn.

In his letter, Cuff, now president and executive director at Community Mortgage Lenders of America Inc., says, "I am making this run because the current political and government environment in which we live, work and play has made me increasingly uncomfortable."

"With this discomfort comes a great motivation for change and to lead," the letter continues. "So, on behalf of my family and yours, I am taking that chance. I am taking that risk.  But, I have the confidence in myself and in my community to take this ride together."

Cuff worked for the MMBA between 2002 and January 2011. Before joining Community Mortgage Lenders, he was vice president of residential lending compliance and director of community investment at Leader Bank.